Argument vs Postulation: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to expressing our thoughts and ideas, we often use various words to convey our message. However, two words that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings are argument and postulation. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide a clear understanding of their definitions.

Argument and postulation are two terms that are commonly used in discussions, debates, and academic writing. While both words are used to express an idea or a thought, they have distinct meanings and applications.

An argument is a logical and well-reasoned presentation of a point of view or an idea. It is a process of presenting evidence, facts, and reasons to support a claim or a conclusion. An argument aims to persuade the audience to accept a particular viewpoint or to take a specific action. In essence, an argument is a form of persuasion that is based on logic and evidence.

On the other hand, a postulation is a hypothesis or a supposition that is presented without proof or evidence. It is an idea or a theory that is put forward as a basis for further investigation or discussion. Unlike an argument, a postulation does not aim to persuade the audience or to prove a point. Instead, it is a starting point for further exploration and analysis.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the definitions of argument and postulation, let us delve deeper into the differences between these two terms and how they are used in various contexts.

Define Argument

An argument is a statement or series of statements that are presented to support or refute a claim. It is a logical process of presenting evidence and reasoning to persuade someone to accept a conclusion. Arguments can be found in various forms such as debates, discussions, and essays. The goal of an argument is to convince the audience that the conclusion is true and valid.

Arguments can be divided into two types: deductive and inductive. A deductive argument is a logical process where the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises. In contrast, an inductive argument is a process where the conclusion is supported by the premises but does not necessarily follow from them.

Arguments can also be evaluated based on their soundness and validity. A sound argument is one that has true premises and a valid conclusion. A valid argument is one where the conclusion follows logically from the premises.

Define Postulation

A postulation is a statement or hypothesis that is put forward without proof or evidence. It is an assumption or guess that is made based on limited information. Postulations are used in various fields such as science, philosophy, and mathematics.

Postulations can be seen as a starting point for further investigation or exploration. They can be used to generate new ideas and theories. However, postulations are not considered to be true until they are supported by evidence or proof.

Postulations can also be evaluated based on their plausibility and coherence. A plausible postulation is one that is reasonable and believable based on the available information. A coherent postulation is one that is consistent with other established theories and ideas.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial to effectively conveying your message. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words argument and postulation in a sentence.

How To Use “Argument” In A Sentence

The word “argument” is commonly used to describe a disagreement or a verbal exchange between two or more people. However, it can also refer to a logical reasoning or a series of statements that support a particular viewpoint. Here are some examples of how to use “argument” in a sentence:

• She presented a compelling argument for why we should invest in renewable energy.
• The argument between the two politicians became heated as they debated the issue of healthcare.
• His argument was based on sound reasoning and solid evidence.

As you can see, “argument” can be used in different contexts, but it always refers to a point of view that is supported by evidence or reasoning.

How To Use “Postulation” In A Sentence

The word “postulation” is less commonly used than “argument”, but it is still an important word to know. It refers to a theory or a hypothesis that is put forward as a possible explanation for something. Here are some examples of how to use “postulation” in a sentence:

• His postulation about the origin of the universe was groundbreaking and controversial.
• The scientist’s postulation was based on years of research and experimentation.
• She presented a postulation about the cause of the disease, but it was not widely accepted by the medical community.

As you can see, “postulation” is used to describe a theory or hypothesis that is not necessarily proven, but is still considered a possibility.

More Examples Of Argument & Postulation Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between argument and postulation, it’s helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these terms can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Argument In A Sentence

• His argument for why we should invest in renewable energy was very convincing.
• She made a strong argument that the company’s current strategy was unsustainable.
• The argument that social media is harmful to mental health is not supported by scientific evidence.
• He presented a compelling argument that the new policy would benefit all employees.
• The argument that video games cause violence has been debated for decades.
• Her argument was based on faulty assumptions and was easily refuted.
• They had a heated argument about whether or not to sell the family business.
• His argument that the earth is flat is not supported by any scientific evidence.
• The argument that raising the minimum wage will hurt small businesses is a common one.
• She used emotional appeals in her argument to persuade the jury.

Examples Of Using Postulation In A Sentence

• His postulation that aliens exist has not been proven by any scientific evidence.
• The postulation that time travel is possible is still a topic of debate among physicists.
• She made a postulation about the cause of the company’s financial troubles, but it was just speculation.
• The postulation that life exists on other planets is a fascinating one.
• He presented a postulation that the universe is a hologram, but it has not been widely accepted.
• The postulation that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe is a popular one among philosophers.
• Her postulation that ghosts are real is not supported by any scientific evidence.
• The postulation that the universe is infinite is a mind-bending concept.
• They had a lively discussion about the postulation that we are living in a simulation.
• His postulation that there are parallel universes is still considered a fringe theory by many scientists.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the realm of writing, it is essential to understand the difference between two terms that are often used interchangeably: argument and postulation. While both terms relate to making a point, they are not interchangeable. Here are some common mistakes people make when using argument and postulation interchangeably:

Confusing Argument With Postulation

One of the most common mistakes people make is using argument and postulation interchangeably. While both terms refer to making a point, they are not the same. An argument is a logical and persuasive set of statements aimed at convincing the reader of a particular point of view. A postulation, on the other hand, is a statement that is assumed to be true without any proof or evidence to back it up.

For instance, if you were to say, “All dogs are friendly,” that would be a postulation. While it may be true in many cases, it is not an argument because there is no evidence to back up the statement.

Using Argument When Postulation Is More Appropriate

Another common mistake is using an argument when a postulation would be more appropriate. For example, if you were to say, “The sky is blue because it is,” that would be an argument. However, it would be more appropriate to use a postulation, such as “The sky is blue,” as there is no need to argue the point.

Offering Weak Arguments

Finally, another common mistake is offering weak arguments. A weak argument is one that is not backed up by evidence or logic. For example, if you were to say, “All dogs are friendly because they are cute,” that would be a weak argument as cuteness is not a logical reason for friendliness.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it is essential to understand the difference between argument and postulation. Here are some tips to help:

• Always provide evidence to back up your arguments
• Use postulation when a statement is assumed to be true without any proof or evidence to back it up
• Avoid using weak arguments that are not backed up by evidence or logic

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between argument and postulation, context plays a crucial role. The decision of which approach to take largely depends on the situation in which they are being used. Both argument and postulation have their unique features and can be effective in different contexts.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between argument and postulation might change:

Academic Writing

In academic writing, the use of argument is more common. This is because academic writing requires a logical and structured approach to presenting ideas. Arguments are used to persuade the reader of a particular point of view. In contrast, postulation is less commonly used in academic writing as it is more speculative and lacks the evidence-based approach of argument.

Legal Writing

Legal writing is another context where the choice between argument and postulation can vary. In legal writing, arguments are used to present a persuasive case to a judge or jury. The use of postulation is less common in legal writing as it can be seen as speculative and lacking in evidence.

Scientific Writing

In scientific writing, the use of postulation is more common. This is because scientific writing is often speculative and requires the writer to make predictions based on limited evidence. Postulation is used to present a hypothesis that can be tested through experimentation. In contrast, arguments are less common in scientific writing as they are often used to persuade the reader of a particular point of view, which is not always appropriate in scientific writing.

Everyday Conversations

In everyday conversations, the choice between argument and postulation can depend on the situation and the individuals involved. Arguments are often used when trying to persuade someone of a particular point of view, while postulation is more commonly used when discussing hypothetical scenarios or making predictions about the future.

In conclusion, the choice between argument and postulation depends on the context in which they are used. Both approaches have their unique features and can be effective in different contexts. Understanding the context in which you are writing or speaking is crucial in deciding which approach to take.

Exceptions To The Rules

While argument and postulation are generally used in distinct ways, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using these terms might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Scientific Research

In scientific research, postulation and argument are often used interchangeably. This is because scientists rely on both deductive and inductive reasoning to form hypotheses and theories.

For example, a scientist might postulate that a certain chemical compound has a particular effect on the human body based on their observations and experiments. They would then use argumentation to support their postulation by presenting evidence from their research.

2. Legal Argumentation

In legal argumentation, the terms argument and postulation are also used somewhat interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences in how they are used.

For example, a lawyer might postulate that their client is innocent based on certain facts and evidence. They would then use argumentation to persuade a judge or jury to accept their postulation as true.

3. Philosophical Discourse

In philosophical discourse, argument and postulation are often used in distinct ways. However, there are some exceptions where they might be used interchangeably.

For example, a philosopher might postulate a certain theory about the nature of reality based on their metaphysical beliefs. They would then use argumentation to support their postulation by presenting logical arguments and evidence.

4. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using argument and postulation are often more flexible. Writers might use these terms in a variety of ways to achieve different effects.

For example, a novelist might postulate a certain theme or idea in their book, and then use argumentation to explore and develop that idea throughout the story.

While argument and postulation are generally used in distinct ways, there are certain exceptions where the rules might not apply. In scientific research, legal argumentation, philosophical discourse, and creative writing, these terms might be used interchangeably or in unique ways to achieve specific goals.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of argument and postulation in sentences can be challenging, but practice exercises can help. Here are some exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Identify The Argument Or Postulation

Read the following sentences and identify whether they contain an argument or a postulation:

Sentence	Argument or Postulation?
The sky is blue.	Postulation
Studies show that exercise can improve mental health.	Argument
In my opinion, pizza is the best food.	Postulation
The earth revolves around the sun.	Postulation
Research suggests that a plant-based diet can lower the risk of heart disease.	Argument

Answer Key:

• The sky is blue. – Postulation
• Studies show that exercise can improve mental health. – Argument
• In my opinion, pizza is the best food. – Postulation
• The earth revolves around the sun. – Postulation
• Research suggests that a plant-based diet can lower the risk of heart disease. – Argument

Exercise 2: Write An Argument Or Postulation

Write a sentence that contains either an argument or a postulation:

• Argument: The use of solar energy can reduce carbon emissions.
• Postulation: Dogs are better than cats.
• Argument: Studies have shown that meditation can reduce stress levels.
• Postulation: The color green is calming.
• Argument: Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Explanation: In this exercise, you are practicing your ability to construct sentences that contain either an argument or a postulation. Remember that an argument is a statement that is supported by evidence, while a postulation is a statement that is not necessarily supported by evidence.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between argument and postulation, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in the context of grammar and language use.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Arguments are statements that are supported by evidence or reasoning, while postulations are assumptions or hypotheses that have yet to be proven.
• Using the correct term can help clarify the meaning of a statement and avoid confusion.
• It is important to understand the nuances of language use in order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to explore these topics, readers can improve their writing and communication skills and become more effective communicators.