Abstract: In one embodiment, an analytical system for generating and accessing arguments is disclosed. Each argument is associated with a conclusion indicating whether a particular situation will likely have a negative or positive result. One embodiment of the analytical system includes a database for storing a plurality of templates, each template including a plurality of questions which may be answered to generate a particular argument having an associated conclusion that is based on those answers. The analytical system also includes an argument server that includes means for a user to select a template that is most relevant to a particular situation, means for receiving answers to one or more of the selected template's questions such that a new argument is generated having a conclusion based on those answers, and means for associating supporting evidence provided by the user with each answer.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for generating and accessing arguments. In one embodiment, an analytical system for generating and accessing arguments is disclosed. Each argument has an associated conclusion as to whether a particular situation will likely have a negative or positive result is disclosed. The analytical system includes a database for storing a plurality of templates that each include a plurality of questions which may be answered to generate a particular argument having an associated conclusion regarding a particular situation that is based on answers to its associated template questions. The system further includes an argument server for selecting one of the templates which is most relevant to a particular situation and for receiving input to one or more of the selected template's questions to thereby generate a new argument having an associated conclusion based on such answers.