What is the purpose of an argument in the college setting?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: What is the purpose of an argument in the college setting?

Since the answer_options list is empty in the provided data, there are no alternative choices to compare against. This means we cannot evaluate multiple competing options or explain why some are correct or incorrect in relation to others.

However, the answer field offers a specific statement as the intended correct option: "To illuminate, expand, and further inform a debate happening on a worthwhile subject between reasonable, intelligent people."

Interpreting this statement, we can reason through why it aligns with a constructive view of argument in academia. First, arguments in college are typically aimed at clarifying topics, exposing assumptions, and enriching understanding by exposing ideas to scrutiny. This framing emphasizes the debate as a collaborative enterprise among thoughtful participants, rather than a mere clash of opinions. The phrases "illuminate" and "expand" suggest that arguments should push thinking forward, not simply win a confrontation. The inclusion of "further inform" highlights the goal of adding evidence, analysis, and reasoning to the discussion, thereby improving collective knowledge.

In terms of why this interpretation is appropriate, it captures core educational values:
- Respect for rational discourse: the reference to "reasonable, intelligent people" implies thoughtful engagement rather than elitist or disrespectful exchanges.
- Use of evidence and reasoning: the goal is to inform the debate, which requires justification and support for claims.
- Advancement of understanding: moving a worthwhile subject forward is a hallmark of scholarly conversation, not just venting or persuading without substance.

Since there are no other options to critique, we cannot identify specific misconceptions or explain why alternate statements would be flawed. Under normal circumstances, one would examine each wrong option for common pitfalls—such as portraying arguments as purely competitive outcomes, limiting arguments to personal beliefs without evidence, or treating argument as conflict rather than collaborative inquiry.

If additional options were provided, we would evaluate them similarly: assess whether they promote constructive inquiry, whether they acknowledge the role of evidence, whether they avoid logical fallacies, and whether they align with the educational purpose of nurturing reasoned debate among students.

EDUTL 1902 SP2025 (13371) Reading Quiz: Reliable Sources, Argumentation, and Organization

What is the purpose of an argument in the college setting?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

One of the major differences between high-school and college-level research is that the latter requires you to do something with your findings (i.e., take a stance and create an argument) as opposed to simply collecting and presenting information.

Which claim is more effective? The adoption of the new leadership style poses a serious threat towards motivation in the workplace. Motivation is prioritizing a choice among other alternative forms of voluntary activities (Martinus & Ramadanty, 2016).

Question at position 10 What is an academic argument?A personal opinion expressed in an informal mannerA debate between two or more scholarsA reasoned, evidence-based discussion that supports a specific point of view or thesisA summary of various viewpoints without taking a stance

Argument:"School uniforms should be mandatory because they create equality among students." Which of the following is the best counter argument, featuring a concession followed by a rebuttal?

Do you need to write a rebuttal paragraph in the exam?

What is a rebuttal?

The basic definition of argument is:

Describe a problem, dilemma or controversy associated with your topic.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler