Conceptions and Consequences of What We Call Argumentation, Justification, and Proof
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University
Abstract
Argumentation, justification, and proof are conceptualized in many ways in extant mathematics
education literature. At times, the descriptions of these objects and processes are compatible or
complementary; at other times, they are inconsistent and even contradictory. The inconsistencies in
definitions and use of the terms argumentation, justification, and proof highlight the need for
scholarly conversations addressing these (and other related) constructs. Collaboration is needed to
move toward, not one-size-fits-all definitions, but rather a framework that highlights connections
among them and exploits ways in which they may be used in tandem to address overarching research
questions. Working group leaders aim to facilitate discussions and collaborations among
researchers and to advance our collective understanding of argumentation, justification and proof,
particularly the relationships among these important mathematical constructs. Working group
sessions will provide opportunities to engage with a panel of researchers and other participants who
approach these aspects of reasoning from different perspectives, as well as to: hear findings from a
recent analysis of these constructs in research; reflect on one’s own work and position it with respect
to the field; and contribute to moving the field forward in this area.
Description
Keywords
Reasoning and proof, Advanced mathematical thinking
Citation
Michelle Cirillo, Karl W. Kosko, Jill Newton, Megan Staples, and Keith Weber (2015). Conceptions and consequences of what we call argumentation, justification, and proof. In Bartell, T.G., Bieda, K.N., Putman, R.T.,Bradfield, K., & Dominguez, H.(Eds.) Proceedings of the 37th Annual Meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. pp. 1343-1351, East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University.