Argument and perspective analysis - Global Perspectives & Research A Level Study Notes

Imagine you're watching a football match. One person says, "Our team won because our striker is the best!" Another says, "No, we won because the other team's defence was terrible!" Both are giving reasons for why their team won.

Argument and perspective analysis is all about understanding these reasons and the different ways people see things. It's like being a super-sleuth for ideas! You're trying to figure out:

• What is someone trying to convince me of? (This is their main conclusion or main point).
• Why do they think that? (These are their reasons or premises – the building blocks of their argument).
• What are they assuming? (These are assumptions – ideas they believe are true but don't always say out loud).
• Who is saying this, and what makes them see things this way? (This is their perspective – their viewpoint, shaped by their background, beliefs, and experiences).

Think of it like baking a cake. The conclusion is the finished cake. The reasons are the ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs). The assumptions are things like "the oven works" or "the recipe is correct." And the perspective is like the baker's unique style or favourite flavours – maybe they love chocolate, so they always add extra cocoa!

Let's say your school wants to ban phones during lunch break. Here's how different people might argue and what their perspectives might be:

Argument 1: "Phones should be banned because students don't talk to each other, and it makes them antisocial." (This is the conclusion).

• Reason 1: "Students are always looking at screens." (This is a reason).
• Reason 2: "Social skills are important for development." (Another reason).
• Assumption: "Not talking to each other at lunch makes students antisocial." (They believe this without explicitly saying it).
• Perspective: This might be a teacher's perspective or a parent's perspective, who are concerned about social development and see phones as a distraction from real-life interaction.

Argument 2: "Phones should NOT be banned because they help students relax and stay connected with family in emergencies." (This is the conclusion).

• Reason 1: "Students need a break from studying." (A reason).
• Reason 2: "They can contact parents quickly if something happens." (Another reason).
• Assumption: "Relaxing on phones is a healthy way to de-stress." (They assume this).
• Perspective: This is likely a student's perspective, who values personal freedom, relaxation, and safety/communication.

See how different people have different reasons and assumptions based on who they are and what they care about? That's perspective analysis in action!