Uncover the hidden logic of any argument in seconds with AI-powered analysis
Understand other people's arguments better – and strengthen your own arguments – by using a powerful Tana template.
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From: Francis Miller
For years, I've explored how to reason and argue more effectively, diving into frameworks like the Toulmin model and argument mapping.
None of the frameworks I came across fully satisfied me or felt worth recommending to others.
Last year, I set out to change that. I've long believed that the key to understanding an argument lies in figuring out all the different claims and claim types being used.
So I started off by establishing a comprehensive list of these types. I then worked on understanding the individual structures of each claim type and the ways in which they can relate to each other.
Finally I experimented with multiple ways of representing the different claim types visually. Eventually, I settled on a hexagon shape and the Argument Claim Hexagon model was born.
Since then, it's proved to be invaluable for understanding and strengthening arguments. Now it's time to add AI to supercharge the model.
Why arguments matter
Arguments underpin every aspect of our lives, from daily decisions to complex policy-making. They shape how we interpret reality and guide the actions we take.
Yet humans often struggle with reasoning. Thinking is hard work and traditional tools often fall short.
The Argument Claim Hexagon model offers a fresh approach. Breaking arguments down into the claims used and the underlying relationships between them reveals what's really being said—and why it matters.
The Argument Claim Hexagon model
The Argument Claim Hexagon model is designed to make arguments clearer, more robust, and easier to evaluate.
By mapping out the different claims within an argument, you can:
Identify
Identify the various types of claims used in an argument and see how they interrelate
Check
Check how well the argument has been constructed
Develop
Develop strategies for building more compelling and persuasive arguments
The payoff? Clearer insight into any position—yours or theirs—and a roadmap to make any argument stronger.
The six types of claims
At the heart of the model are the six claim categories:
Fact
What is true or false?
Cause and Effect
What causes what?
Definition and Classification
How should something be defined or classified?
Interpretation
How should something be understood?
Evaluation
Is something good or bad?
Action
What should be done?
Most arguments centre on one main claim, backed by other claims for support.
A new Tana template: the Argument Analyst
The Argument Analyst—a Tana template—brings the Argument Claim Hexagon to life. Paste in the text you want to analyse.
Then the template's AI-powered analysis provides a swift and comprehensive breakdown of the structure of the reasoning.
It's the fast, smart way to explore, refine, or challenge any argument.
What you can do with the Argument Analyst
Get a detailed breakdown of an argument's structure, categorized by whichever claim types the argument is using
Chat with AI about tricky or unclear aspects of the argument
Identify where the gaps in reasoning are—where the argument needs more evidence or stronger connections
Clarify the logical sequence of claims and supports
Brainstorm improvements to bolster any weak points in the argument
Analyze the definitions and classifications used within the argument
Extract main and supporting claims for further study, complete with all the relevant supertags
Let's show you what the Argument Analyst can do. First you paste in any text you want to analyse.
Then you ask it to provide you with an analysis of the argument, using the argument claim hexagon structure. And, in a few seconds, that's what you get.
Next you can ask the agent to summarise all the different claims and sort them into the different claim types with relevant supertags. And the task is performed almost instantaneously.
Then you can ask the agent to identify the gaps in the argument. And, seconds later, that's what you're given.
Perhaps you then want to find out how the argument could be strengthened. That's easy too!
Can you now begin to appreciate all the power that the Argument Analyst puts in your hands?
Who it's for
Curious minds
Grasp big ideas faster by dissecting argument structures
Writers and creators
Sharpen your arguments for greater impact
Researchers
Turn data into persuasive arguments quickly
Students
Master complex concepts with ease and depth
Critical thinkers
Test and refine your reasoning skills
Template developers
The template was jointly created by Andrew Altshuler and myself.
Andrew is a former researcher who is now consulting and teaching. He is obsessed with knowledge systems, AI, and complexity; and has been made a Tana Ambassador.
Together, we're dedicated to bringing you effective tools that help you reason smarter and argue better.
Technical specifications
At the moment, the template only works with Tana, the innovative AI-native knowledge workspace.
Not on Tana yet? You can sign up here (affiliate). Tana offer a free 14-day trial with their AI features enabled and free AI credits.
So you can try out the Argument Analyst template for free.
Want a standalone app? We're exploring that possibility at the moment. If you sign up for the newsletter, we'll tell you any news.
FAQs
It's very easy. Just paste in the text you want analysed, click a command and get results in seconds. (A few more advanced features require some Tana know-how.)
It's simple. Just watch our quick video after signing up.
Detailed guides are included, plus we're here for questions.
It's free now so we can get feedback; a paid version may come later.
Get the template
Ready to sharpen your thinking and tackle arguments with confidence? Get the Argument Analyst template by filling in the form below. (We'll send you a link to the template once you've confirmed your signup.)
Then you can start using the Hexagon model to transform your reasoning—one argument at a time.