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Custom Argument Mapping

Argument mapping is the visual display of complex debates.  

van Gelder & Monk pioneered the application of argument mapping methods to "real world" reasoning and argumentation, and remain the leading specialists in this area.  

Using our expertise, tools and experience, we can create for you maps bringing clarity and structure to even the most complex, messy and contentious topics.

Any topic involving a complex tangle of arguments can be usefully mapped.  We have produced maps for clients in areas such as:
  • Legal argument
  • Public policy issues
  • Academic debates

  • Major decisions
  • Conflicts
  • Strategic planning
Their methods for dissecting and clarifying complex pieces of analysis or public policy are first class... [Their report on the Abrams tank] is an excellent piece of work and crystal clear in its laying out of every aspect of the debate, for and against the decision. 
Peter Leahy, Chief of Army (ret)

Examples

Abrams Tank Purchase

Picture

Desalination Plant

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Discuss with us...

We would be very happy to have a conversation with you about how our argument mapping services might assist you.  

Just contact Tim van Gelder at 
tvg@vangeldermonk.com or
+61 3 9016 9089

In 2006 the Australian Army commissioned van Gelder & Monk to map the arguments bearing on the controversial decision to purchase the US Abrams tank. They produced a substantial report exhaustively mapping the lines of argument, revealing that while there had been errors on both sides, Army’s critics had failed to properly grasp the case or check the assumptions underpinning their objections to the decision.

Download the report:
  • Complete Formatted Report (PDF, 94pp, 13mb)
  • Abridged (PDF, 2mb)
  • Precis (PDF, 1mb)

Note that all versions are designed to be printed in colour on A3 paper.  
Working with water expert  Prof. John Langford, we created this chart explaining the fundamental reasoning behind the construction of a desalination plant in Victoria.  The map is relatively simple compared with many of our engagements but illustrates how producing a diagram can clarify complex reasoning. 

Download the chart (PDF, 1.3MB)  
Tim van Gelder has done foundational work in articulating the discipline of Argument Mapping for real world visual deliberation.
Prof. Simon Buckingham Shum, Open University UK.
Level 5, 306 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia | Ph +61 3 8374 7646 | info@vangeldermonk.com | ABN: 15 081 992 547 
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