Thinking with Data

Chapter 4. Patterns of Reasoning

One of the great benefits of studying arguments is that we can draw inspiration from patterns that have been noticed and explored by others. Instead of bushwhacking our way through the forest, we have a map to lead us to well-worn trails that take us where we need to go.

We can’t simply lift up the patterns that structure arguments in other disciplines and plop them down precisely into data science. There are big differences between a courtroom, a scientific dispute, a national policy debate, and the work that we do with data in a professional setting. Instead, it is possible to take insights from patterns in other fields and mold them to fit our needs.

There are three groups of patterns we will explore. The first group of patterns are called categories of disputes, and provide a framework for understanding how to make a coherent argument. The next group of patterns are called general topics, which give general strategies for making arguments. The last group is called special topics, which are the strategies for making arguments specific to working with data. Causal reasoning, which is a special topic, is so important that it is covered separately in Chapter 5.

Categories of Disputes

A very powerful way to organize our thoughts is by classifying each point of dispute in our argument. A point of dispute is the part of an argument where the audience pushes back, the point where we actually need to make a case to win over the skeptical audience. All but ...