Argumentation and Critical Decision Making

by Rieke, Richard D.; Sillars, Malcolm O.; Peterson, Tarla Rai

• ISBN13: 9780205417933
• ISBN10: 0205417930
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

The first and most thoroughly developed audience-oriented argumentation text, Argumentation and Critical Decision Making, presents argumentation as a cooperative, communicative process. The text examines the general principles of argument in a rigorous yet readable manner and then applies those principles to different spheres of life-law, science, religion, business, and politics-to explore how conventions of argument change when applied to these real-world arenas. Focusing on the dynamics of decision making, and using real-life examples to illustrate principles, this book aims to help readers develop practical argumentation skills in their daily lives. New to This Edition bull; bull;The sixth edition has a new organization, with the chapters arranged in three sections: Principles, Tools, and Applications. bull;Chapters 1 through 3 have been restructured and shortened, making them a more fluid and understandable introduction to argumentation. bull;An increased emphasis on decision making rather than debating keeps the text away from the highly aggressive, adversarial tone of some other texts. bull;Chapter 3 now includes a discussion of post-modern and feminist approaches to argumentation and shows that argumentation is valuable not only to those who are aggressive but also to everyone else.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
PART ONE Principles	1	(94)
The Domain of Argumentation	3	(22)
Elements of Argumentation	4	(8)
Adherence	4	(1)
Appropriate Decision Makers	4	(1)
Spheres	5	(1)
Claims	5	(3)
Issue	8	(1)
Proposition	9	(1)
Support	9	(1)
Argument	10	(1)
Criticism	11	(1)
Elements of Critical Decision Making	12	(12)
Toleration of Uncertainty	13	(4)
Critical Thinking---The Internal Dialogue	17	(1)
Dialectic---The External Dialogue	18	(2)
Rhetoric	20	(3)
Acting within Uncertainty	23	(1)
Conclusion	24	(1)
Project	24	(1)
Critical Appraisal of Argumentation	25	(15)
Argumentation and Being Reasonable	26	(5)
Why People Advance Unreasonable Arguments	27	(1)
Beliefs Are Not Necessarily Reasonable	27	(1)
Thinking Is Not Necessarily Reasonable	28	(1)
The Mind Is Not Necessarily Reasonable	28	(1)
Social Influence Is Not Necessarily Reasonable	29	(1)
Characteristics of Reasonable Arguments	30	(1)
The Bases of Reason in Argumentation	31	(5)
Starting Points for Argumentation	31	(5)
Spheres	36	(3)
Definition of Spheres	36	(1)
Location of Spheres	37	(1)
Spheres and Level of Activity	38	(1)
Ultimate Purpose	38	(1)
Conclusion	39	(1)
Project	39	(1)
Critical Approaches to Argumentation	40	(17)
Traditional Criteria	41	(6)
Good Reasons	41	(1)
Logic	42	(3)
Science	45	(1)
A Good Story	46	(1)
Nontraditional Criteria	47	(8)
Postmodernism	48	(3)
Feminisms	51	(4)
Alternative Dispute Resolution	55	(1)
Conclusion	56	(1)
Project	56	(1)
Analysis in Argumentation	57	(15)
Critical Analysis to Find a Proposition	58	(4)
Identify the Question	59	(1)
Survey Implicated Objectives and Values	59	(1)
Canvass Alternative Decisions	60	(1)
Weigh the Costs and Risks	60	(1)
Search for New Information	60	(1)
Criticize the Alternatives	60	(1)
Note Your Biases That Block Alternatives	61	(1)
Select a Proposition	61	(1)
Critical Analysis of a Proposition	62	(6)
Determining the Issues	62	(2)
Rank-Order the Issues	64	(2)
Stock Issue Analysis	66	(1)
Comparative Advantage Analysis	67	(1)
Analysis of Claims	68	(2)
Identify the Most Significant Claims	68	(1)
Clarify What Each Claim Asserts	68	(1)
Locate the Points of Disagreement	69	(1)
Conclusion	70	(1)
Project	71	(1)
Case Building	72	(23)
Preliminary Steps in Case Building	73	(4)
Follow Critical Decision Making	73	(1)
Identify the Nature of the Proposition	74	(1)
Assess Presumptions and Burden of Proof	75	(2)
Briefing Arguments	77	(6)
The Elements of the Brief	78	(1)
An Example of a Brief	79	(4)
Developing a Convincing Vision	83	(3)
Learn the Decision Makers' Vision	84	(1)
Tell the Story of Your Vision	84	(1)
Consider an Example	85	(1)
Communication to Specific Decision Makers	86	(7)
What Are the Communication Constraints?	86	(1)
What Counterargument Will Occur?	87	(1)
What Argumentative Format Will Be Used?	87	(1)
What Are the Rules of the Sphere?	88	(1)
How Will the Decision Be Made?	88	(1)
What Critical Values Will Be Applied?	89	(1)
What Sequence of Claims Is Most Appropriate?	90	(3)
Conclusion	93	(1)
Project	94	(1)
PART TWO Tools	95	(126)
The Nature of Arguments	97	(21)
The Model of an Argument	98	(4)
Claim	99	(1)
Grounds	99	(1)
Warrant	100	(1)
Backing	100	(1)
Qualifier	101	(1)
Rebuttal and Reservation	101	(1)
Types of Arguments	102	(9)
Argument by Generalization	103	(2)
Argument by Cause	105	(1)
Argument by Sign	106	(2)
Argument by Analogy	108	(1)
Argument from Authority	109	(2)
Definitions as Argument	111	(3)
Formal Definition	112	(1)
Definition by Example	112	(1)
Functional Definition	112	(1)
Definition by Analogy	113	(1)
Definition by Authority	113	(1)
The Analysis of Arguments	114	(2)
Characteristics of Arguments	114	(1)
Guidelines for Analyzing Arguments	115	(1)
Conclusion	116	(1)
Project	117	(1)
Support: Evidence	118	(23)
Forms of Evidence	119	(9)
Example	120	(2)
Statistics	122	(4)
Combining Forms of Evidence	126	(1)
Testimony	126	(2)
General Principles for the Use of Evidence	128	(7)
Use Representative Instances	128	(1)
Use a Sufficient Number of Instances	128	(1)
Account for Negative Instances	129	(1)
Give the Value Characteristics of Instances	129	(1)
Make Instances Seem Real with Details	130	(1)
Use Decision Makers' Experience	130	(1)
Use Current Examples and Statistics	130	(1)
Use Reliable Sources for Instances and Statistics	130	(1)
Carefully Consider Statistical Measures	131	(3)
Use Comparison to Clarify Statistics	134	(1)
Base Testimony on Credibility Measures	134	(1)
Sphere Dependence of Evidence	135	(4)
Hearsay Evidence	135	(1)
Ordinary and Expert Evidence	135	(1)
Reluctant Evidence	136	(1)
Negative Evidence	137	(1)
Documented Evidence	138	(1)
Assertion and Evidence	138	(1)
Conclusion	139	(1)
Project	140	(1)
Support: Values	141	(23)
Characteristics of Values	142	(4)
Stated and Implied Values	142	(1)
Positive and Negative Values	143	(1)
Terminal and Instrumental Values	144	(1)
Abstract and Concrete Values	145	(1)
Values Appear in Systems	146	(2)
Traditional Value Systems	146	(1)
Values Are Graded in Systems	147	(1)
General Principles for the Use of Values	148	(7)
Values May Be Found Anywhere in an Argument	148	(1)
Recognize Values in Warrants	149	(1)
Find the Values in the Arguments of Others	150	(1)
Recognize the Limits of Value Change	151	(1)
Find the Best Point of Attack on Values	151	(2)
Relate Your Values to Decision Makers	153	(1)
Use Evidence and Argument to Develop Values	154	(1)
Sphere Dependence of Values	155	(7)
Values in Scientific Argument	155	(2)
Values in Religion	157	(2)
The Relation of Science and Religion	159	(3)
Conclusion	162	(1)
Project	163	(1)
Support: Credibility	164	(16)
Characteristics of Credibility	165	(2)
Competence and Trustworthiness	165	(1)
Good Will and Dynamism	166	(1)
Forms of Credibility	167	(2)
Direct Credibility	167	(1)
Secondary Credibility	168	(1)
Indirect Credibility	169	(1)
General Principles for the Use of Credibility	169	(6)
Develop Credibility from Reputation	169	(2)
Be Sincere	171	(1)
Identify with Decision Makers' Values	171	(2)
Use Evidence to Build Credibility	173	(1)
Use Organization to Build Credibility	173	(1)
Argue Issues, Not People	174	(1)
Understand Credibility as Dynamic	174	(1)
Sphere Dependence of Credibility	175	(4)
The Reputation of the Arguer	177	(1)
Secondary Credibility in Spheres	178	(1)
Indirect Credibility in Spheres	178	(1)
Conclusion	179	(1)
Project	179	(1)
Refutation	180	(23)
The Process of Refutation	180	(2)
Approaching Refutation	182	(1)
Setting a Framework for Refutation	183	(7)
Assess the Argumentative Situation	183	(3)
Analyze the Decision Makers	186	(4)
Analyze Opponents	190	(1)
Selecting a Posture for Refutation	190	(4)
Refute from a Constructive Basis	190	(1)
Defend Your Position	191	(1)
Keep the Focus on the Goals of Decision Making	191	(1)
Engage in Framebreaking	191	(2)
Test the Credibility of Other Factions	193	(1)
Understand Momentum	193	(1)
Deny Support	194	(1)
Communicating Refutation	194	(4)
Block Arguments	195	(1)
Sample Refutation Blocks	195	(1)
Probe Opponents	196	(2)
Follow Good Communication Practices	198	(1)
Conclusion	198	(4)
Project	202	(1)
Refutation	203	(18)
Fallacy Claims
Views of Fallacy	205	(8)
Fallacy as Incorrect Logic	205	(2)
Fallacy as Sophistry	207	(5)
Fallacies as Violations of Discussion Rules	212	(1)
Using Fallacy Claims in Refutation	213	(1)
Social Guides to Fallacy Claims	214	(5)
Intent to Deceive	214	(2)
Refusal to Reason	216	(1)
Breach of Conversational Cooperation	216	(3)
Conclusion	219	(1)
Project	220	(1)
PART THREE Applications	221	(97)
Argumentation in Law	223	(15)
The Context	224	(1)
The Trial	225	(7)
Analysis through Critical Decision Making	225	(5)
Building the Case	230	(1)
Prosecution's Trial Brief	231	(1)
The Appeal	232	(5)
Appellate Brief	233	(2)
The Attorney General's Response	235	(1)
The Appellate Decision	235	(1)
The Impact of the Trial	236	(1)
Conclusion	237	(1)
Project	237	(1)
Argumentation in Science	238	(20)
The Tradition of Argumentation in Science	241	(3)
Claims of Fact	241	(1)
Search for Truth over Personal Gain	242	(1)
Testable Results	243	(1)
Established Theory Changes Slowly	243	(1)
Scientific Use of Argument Types	244	(8)
Argument by Generalization	245	(1)
Argument by Cause	246	(2)
Argument by Sign	248	(1)
Argument by Analogy	249	(2)
Argument from Authority	251	(1)
Scientific Use of Evidence	252	(3)
Empirically Grounded Claims	252	(1)
Specific Instances	253	(1)
Statistics in Science	253	(2)
Testimony	255	(1)
Scientific Method as Argument	255	(1)
Conclusion	256	(1)
Project	257	(1)
Argumentation in Religion	258	(20)
Major Questions in Religious Argumentation	259	(6)
What Is the Nature of God?	259	(1)
What Is the Nature of Human Beings?	260	(1)
What Is Moral Behavior, the Religious Life?	261	(1)
What Are Sin, Evil, and the Meaning of Suffering?	262	(1)
What Is the Human's Relationship to God?	263	(1)
What Is the Nature of Salvation?	263	(1)
What Is the Role of the Church?	263	(1)
Values and Themes	264	(1)
Evidence in Religious Argumentation	265	(5)
Text as Evidence	265	(3)
Tradition as Evidence	268	(1)
Experience as Evidence	268	(1)
Revelation as Evidence	269	(1)
Culture as Evidence	269	(1)
Preferred Argument Forms	270	(7)
Argument by Authority	271	(1)
Argument by Analogy	272	(1)
Argument by Narrative	273	(1)
Argument by Sign	274	(1)
Argument by Paradox	274	(1)
Argument by Generalization	275	(2)
Conclusion	277	(1)
Project	277	(1)
Argumentation in Business	278	(15)
Starting Points for Business Argumentation	278	(7)
Facts in Business Argumentation	279	(1)
Presumptions in Business Argumentation	280	(2)
Probabilities in Business Argumentation	282	(1)
Commonplaces/Forms of Argument in Business Argumentation	283	(2)
Forms of Support in Business Argumentation	285	(6)
Evidence in Business Argumentation	285	(2)
Values as Support in Business Argumentation	287	(3)
Credibility as Support for Business Argumentation	290	(1)
Conclusion	291	(1)
Project	292	(1)
Argumentation in Government and Politics	293	(25)
The Nature of Political Argumentation	294	(3)
The Claims of Political Argumentation	294	(1)
The Content of Political Claims	294	(1)
The Development of Political Claims	295	(2)
Refutation in Government and Politics	297	(4)
Refutation in Committee Hearings	298	(1)
Characteristics of Hearings	298	(1)
Using the Record in Hearings	299	(1)
Focus for the Record in Hearings	299	(1)
The Forms of Refutation in Committee Hearings	300	(1)
Telling Good Stories	301	(1)
Refutation in Legislative Action	301	(4)
Refutation Is Usually Not Confrontational	302	(1)
Refutation Is Usually Not Personal	302	(1)
The Amendment Process as Refutation	303	(1)
Refutation Has an Important Credibility Function	303	(1)
Relations between Legislature and the Executive	304	(1)
Argumentation in Political Campaigns	305	(6)
Campaigns Involve Issues and Images	305	(2)
Campaign Arguments Are Linked to ``The People''	307	(1)
Telling the Right Story	307	(1)
Maintaining the Story	308	(1)
Media and Refutation	309	(2)
The Special Role of Debates	311	(1)
Refutation in the Political Campaign	312	(4)
Refutation Is Usually about Testing Proposals with Values	312	(1)
Evidence Is Important in Refutation	313	(1)
Credibility Is Significant in Refutation	314	(1)
The Story Is Significant in Refutation	314	(1)
Leave No Shot Unanswered	315	(1)
Refutation by Inoculation	315	(1)
Conclusion	316	(1)
Project	317	(1)
References	318	(13)
Name Index	331	(4)
Subject Index	335