In the context of an argument, how would you define 'assert'?

In the context of an argument, 'assert' refers to the act of stating something confidently and forcefully, often without the need for supporting evidence, although assertions can be backed up by arguments or reasoning. When someone asserts a belief or opinion, they are declaring it as a fact based on their conviction, which is essential in argumentation as it establishes one's stance on the issue at hand. This confident expression is pivotal as it signals to the audience that the speaker holds strong views, and it often encourages engagement and discourse around those views.

The other options involve different aspects of constructing or discussing an argument. Providing evidence is about supporting claims with facts or data, summarizing findings involves condensing information presented, and criticizing opposing viewpoints pertains to rebutting what others argue rather than stating one's own position. Each of these plays a role in argumentation but does not encapsulate the essence of what it means to 'assert'.