Tip for Argument Mapping
In case it hasn't occurred to anyone yet (it only just occurred to me): did you know that you can use Logos' Sentence Diagram tool to create argument maps?
Example:
You can be more creative:
The only downside to using Logos is that it is not as quick (drag and drop) as argument mapping software that is designed specifically for argument mapping. This matters a lot when you're making very big maps. For instance, here is a typical small map for my purposes:
Creating something of this size would be more cumbersome in Logos. But I wonder if, since Logos already has the basic framework down, they might not improve upon it and even make more flexible for diagram arguments and not just sentences?
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Comments
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I just create a mind map with iMind Map software, get a screenshot and upload it to Logos or my other Bible software for presenting.
Good idea, though, for those who don't own a mind mapping software.
DAL
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I would like to see a more robust diagramming tool in Logos.
Till then I find Freemind does the job for my needs and you can't beat the price.
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Thanks, Remington, for the idea! It looks interesting for mapping arguments in books or articles. I like the fact that it is in Logos to keep all the info there. What I don't like is that as far as I can tell it does not connect with other documents (for instance you cannot build a diagram and then put it in a note).
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Francis,
There may be an indirect way to do this. On the Sentence Diagram window, after you've created your map, select "Copy location as url" or whatever and then paste the created link into a note attached to the relevant article or book.
An even cruder method would be to create a note in the relevant article or book that reminds you "I've created an argument map for this in the Sentence Diagram tool. It is titled '....'"
Potato resting atop 2020 Mac Pro stand.
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DAL and DOC,
Thanks for mentioning two other mind mapping softwares.
Personally, I prefer to use Mind Mup since they have a specific theme for argument mapping and I find the typical mapping schemes of general-purpose mind mapping software (like Lucidchart) to be unhelpful and messy for mapping arguments. Another alternative is Rationale (RationaleOnline). Rationale is more expensive and the layout seems a bit dated, but has some extra bells and whistles that Mind Mup lacks (like specific styles for "basis boxes" (if the basis of the claim is an example or an expert or data), evaluation tools, etc). For a while I was torn between both but what ultimately tipped me in favor of Mind Mup was how it handles notes attached to nodes. In this area and others (over all asthetic) Rationale feels dated (and in fact hasn't had a major update along these lines for about ... 5 years or so), the ability to share semi-interactive maps with those who don't have a mindmup account, and the ability to link a sub-node to more than one parent node. And there are some small tricks one can do to try and match the greater flexibility of Rationale.
Potato resting atop 2020 Mac Pro stand.
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I dont think you need a software to draw mind map. A paper would do you can use mind map templates to get them drawn right away.
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You don't *need* software for mind mapping, but it's sort of like saying you don't need a word processor for writing... Okay, but trying to do it without one is really handicapping yourself and making it much more difficult than it needs to be. When mind mapping with paper it gets very messy very quickly. Software takes care of that and automatically adjusts nodes in terms of spacing and size. Using a template you run into another problem: what if my premise doesn't fit in the template node?
It just makes sense to use software since there are many cheap options available. Currently I use MindNode on my phone and Rationale (Austhink) when I'm on PC.
Potato resting atop 2020 Mac Pro stand.
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