Argument - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition argument

Definition :

Argument, in reasoning, Locke observes that men ordinarily use four sorts of arguments. The first is to allege the opinions of men, whose parts and learning, eminency, power, or some other cause, have gained a name, and settled their reputation in the common esteem, with some kind of authority; this may be called argumentum ad verecundiam. The second is to require the adversary to admit what they allege as a proof, or to require a better; this he calls argumentum ad ignorantiam. The third is to press a man with consequences drawn from his own principles, concessions, or actions; this is known by the name of argumentum ad hominem. The fourth the using proofs drawn from any of the foundations of knowledge or probability; this he calls argumentum ad judicium, and he observes that it is the only one of all the four that brings true instruction with it, and advances us in our way to knowledge.

Means a statement that attempts to persuade, especially, the remarks of counsel in analysing and pointing out or repudiating a desired inference, for the assistance of a decision-maker. The Act or process of attempting to persuade, Black Law Dictionary 7th Edn., p. 102.