Logical Argumentation

By Brittany Ricker

Throughout any design research, theoretical thinking is the underlying structure. When there is a broad explanatory theory within the outcome of a research logical argumentation method should be used. Within logical argumentation there beholds the Stewart Brand’s Six “S”: Site, Structure, Skin, Service, Space Plan, and Stuff. Can any building only have 6 layers? These layers can change either what they are or what they consist of. Nothing should ever stay the same from one building/ design to the next. Taking a look at social logic of space leads to diagramming which can help explain/ reveal patterns that one wouldn’t necessarily recognize just looking at numbers or statistics. The floor plans to gamma maps are a perfect example which revealed the patterns of spatial adjacencies. Just simply writing out the adjacencies most likely wouldn’t stick out as clear.

Strategic Traits within logical argumentation include:
Paradigmatic Innovation – See the link between research and cultural realties.
Priori Argumentation – Denote the enabling conditions in relation to the subject at hand
Logical Argumentation Framework – Tend to be interdisciplinary, meaning they are so basic that they blur the boundaries.
Primary & Secondary Logical Frameworks – Secondary studies go deeper into the domain mapped by the primary system, usually not expanding it with new material.

The whole process of logical framework is quite difficult to conceive at first. It takes time…lots of time… and experience (useful experience) to eventually begin to connect the dots. To first establish your terms you need to understand the underlying principles of: Quantity (K.I.S.S.), Quality ad Origin. Once these terms are established you must demonstrate rational links to make the system coherent. Start defining relationships in terms of: necessity, contingent and nomic necessity.

The rhetorical tactics in cultural/discursive systems really stuck out. Using AUTHORITY as a rhetorical tactic would be successful and IS successful in many cases…BUT one must be very skeptical from whom the criteria is being spoken by! Who’s to say “they” are an established voice and have authority….Hitler comes to mind. If someone says you are the BEST… take a step back and understand… those collections of books take YEARS to compile and gain recognition the way they have… so just realizing the authority, context and WHY. When it was brought up that being persuasive and charming can sometimes get your idea to “sell”… it bothers me in that.. that’s just how the Freedom Towers were established.. So really being skeptical and not so naïve…. You know those people who, if he/she had to could honestly sell a bag of S&#@ and make it sound good to a room full of people…. Do your research.