Mapping an argument
Constructing a clear argument is essential for a successful doctoral thesis. A PhD thesis always conceals an argument within the claim it is making. When someone asks, “What’s your thesis about?” your answer will likely start with: “My thesis argues that [...]".
First, let’s consider the definition of an ‘argument’. It is generally one of two things:
a) a verbal fight, or
b) a connected series of statements that together allow us to infer a conclusion or contention.
In the context of a doctoral thesis, it is the second of these definitions that we mean here, illustrated beautifully in Monty Python’s famous argument sketch.
Your PhD thesis supplies the argument, coupled with supporting evidence. Many variations are possible in the structure of a thesis; however, often the argument occurs at the start and evidence is provided for it in subsequent chapters.
In another thesis, the argument could be sustained throughout its entirety, with every chapter illuminating some element of the argument (or providing subsidiary arguments for an overarching argument). These two versions are illustrated below.
Typically, the argument is articulated in the Introduction and research gap section of the thesis and the literature review. It is also outlined in the discussion and revisited in the conclusion.
Image: Two ways in which arguments can be incorporated into PhD theses.