What is an argument?

An argument, on the other hand, can mean two things. Both meanings are useful to us. In a shorter sense an argument is: an offer of proof by way of compelling logic, or by offering evidence. It is worth pausing here and thinking about that.

In a more extended sense an argument is a series of propositions intended to establish a common point of view. In other words: In an argument you want to try out your ideas and see whether other people can find themselves in what you say, or whether you might want to modify your view.