Visualizing Ethical Controversies and Positions by Logical Argument Mapping (LAM) - A Manual

Ethical decisions are often not clear-cut. Most of the time it is possible to argue for more than one "right thing to do," especially if there is a variety of ethical principles or conflicting arguments. In order both to understand those arguments and to participate in deliberation and communication on ethically relevant issues, we need some methods, tools, and the practical skills to use them. Such a method is Logical Argument Mapping (LAM). Its main functions are to facilitate the structuring of complex knowledge areas and belief systems, and to stimulate reflection and creativity.

This manual describes the rules, the mapping conventions, and the procedure of Logical Argument Mapping. It describes the processes of argument construction and evaluation; the development of classifications that are necessary to structure a problem field; the integration of objections, questions, comments, and supporting data; and suggestions for the revision and improvements of argumentations. For these purposes, it provides lists of argument schemes, typology schemes, conflict schemes, and argument revision schemes.

• Michael Hoffmann

• Ethics and Philosophy of Science and Technology

• School of Public Policy