Argument, Changing Minds, and Persuasion

Key Points

• The essay explores how the invited inferences in arguments facilitate persuasion and how this relates to meta-argumentation.
• Analyzes the concept of inference claims in persuasive argumentation.
• Draws on the works of Aikin, Casey, Mercier, and Sperber to frame the discussion on inference and reasoning.
• Examines the relationship between invited inferences and argumentative reasoning.
• Demonstrates that invitations to inference are a form of meta-argumentation.
• Clarifies that persuasion is contingent on the acceptance and performance of invited inferences.
• Links invited inference directly to established theories of argumentative reasoning.