Araucaria

Araucaria is a super handy tool you can use to manage your files, especially when it comes to creating argument diagrams. You know how sometimes you need to break down a complex argument? Well, this software lets you pick out phrases from your text that represent the premises and conclusions, and then it helps you build a tree diagram right on the screen using just your mouse!

Easy Installation and User-Friendly Interface

The best part? It doesn’t take long to install, and there’s no confusing setup process before you can dive in. Araucaria has a clean and easy-to-use graphical interface with plenty of cool tools at your fingertips.

Loading Text and Diagramming Styles

You can load your argument text straight from a disk file, which then shows up in the blue panel on the left side of the screen. Araucaria supports different styles for diagramming, like the standard “box-and-arrow” method and the Toulmin approach. So you have options!

Statistics and Scheme Creation

This application even gives you summary statistics about your argument analysis! Plus, it lets you create schemes easily. You can edit existing ones or make new schemes as needed.

Edit Your Schemes Effortlessly

If you want to edit an existing scheme or delete one altogether, that’s super simple too! Each scheme allows you to tweak premises and critical questions just like that.

Saving Your Work

You can save your current schemeset as an AML file, but remember to give it a .scm extension so it’s clear it’s not just any saved argument (those use .aml). And don’t forget—this app also shows evaluation labels on the main diagram as well as in full text diagrams. These evaluations appear as small pink labels next to their respective nodes.

Araucaria is truly a valuable tool if you're looking to create detailed argument diagrams by selecting phrases of text that represent various parts of an argument. Want to give it a shot? Check out Araucaria here!