Unit 4: The elements of a scientific argument

00:00: Let us go to the next segment, which is the elements of a scientific argument. The way scientific arguments are usually structured is that they start with one main claim, which is normally referred to as the thesis or the thesis statement. So, sometimes we are on a panel, a student is presenting and you are wondering what is the thesis in this argument.

00:32: It must come out clearly. That’s why particularly at a higher degree, PhD for example, or D.Sc., you are expected to philosophise by establishing the thesis in your argument, in your story, in your narrative. If you are not able to come out clearly with that claim, which is the thesis of your argument, of your work, you have not started. The same thing with a scientific article.

00:59: When somebody picks up a scientific article, he should be able to see the main line of argument. And, of course, besides the main line of argument, we also have the sub-claims, which are a set of support claims. But all this must be linked or connected. They must also be supported by reasonable evidence to make sense of the main claim or the main argument that you have started. And sometimes, this may come from your introduction.

01:27: When someone reads your opening statement, he should be able to see clearly your thinking or argument. It should be easy to identify the thesis in the article or work, and then the subclaims, which are giving the context to the main claim, then the evidence which I have described earlier.