SACM2 — Justification of Methods of Reasoning

How might and/or should the justification for an ArgumentReasoning element’s method(s) of argumentation be represented in SACM? Several options or possibilities exist. This justification might be a supplied by a Claim, a DescriptiveAssertion, or Assumption connected by an AssertedInference link or an AssertedConext link in turn potentionally supported by InformationElement, EvidenceElement, or Artifact. More generally justification for its method(s) of argumentation can be in the form of an assurance case. On the other hand might it be supplied by an AssertedContextLink to an Artifact or even simply a citation?

What is the designers approach? Should these options be restricted or others used ­ particularly for the link between the ArgumentReasoning element and justification of its methods? Should some approaches be preferred?

Addressed by harmonization to create SACM 2.0.

ArgumentReasoning is used in SACM 2.0 to describe AssertedRelations (e.g. AssertedInferences). These AssertedRelations can be justified with further supporting Assertions. ArgumentReasoning can optionally be fully documented as a structured argument with an associated ArgumentPackage. If this is done then, of course, it could be more fully justified.