Argumentation: Analysis, Evaluation, Presentation

by van Eemeren; Frans H.

• ISBN13: 9780805839524
• ISBN10: 0805839526
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book concentrates on argumentation as it emerges in ordinary discourse, whether the discourse is institutionalized or strictly informal. Crucial concepts from the theory of argumentation are systematically discussed and explained with the help of examples from real-life discourse and texts. The basic principles are explained that are instrumental in the analysis and evaluation of argumentative discourse. Methodical instruments are offered for identifying differences of opinion, analyzing and evaluating argumentation and presenting arguments in oral and written discourse. In addition, the book provides a great variety of exercises and assignments to improve the students' skill in presenting argumentation. The authors begin their treatment of argumentation theory at the same juncture where argumentation also starts in practice: The difference of opinion that occasions the evolvement of the argumentation. Each chapter begins with a short summary of the essentials and ends with a number of exercises that students can use to master the material.Argumentationis the first introductory textbook of this kind. It is intended as a general introduction for students who are interested in a proper conduct of argumentative discourse. Suggestions for further reading are made for each topic and several extra assignments are added to the exercises. Special features: * A concise and complete treatment of both the theoretical backgrounds and the practice of argumentation analysis and evaluation. * Crucial concepts from pragmatics (speech act theory, Grice's cooperative principle) presented in a non-technical way; introducing the theory of verbal communication. * Unique coverage of both oral and written presentation of arguments. * Exercises and assignments based on real-life texts from a variety of contexts.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	xi
I: ANALYSIS
Differences of Opinion	3	(20)
Essentials	3	(9)
Disagreement and argumentative discussion	3	(1)
Explicit and implicit differences of opinion	4	(1)
Positive and negative standpoints	5	(1)
Standpoints and expressions of doubt	6	(2)
Types of differences of opinion	8	(2)
Main and subordinate differences of opinion	10	(1)
How to recognize standpoints and doubt	10	(2)
Further reading	12	(2)
Exercises	14	(3)
Special assignment 1	17	(6)
Argumentation and Discussion	23	(14)
Essentials	23	(7)
Resolving a difference of opinion	23	(1)
A model of a critical discussion	24	(1)
The ideal model and argumentative practice	25	(3)
Argumentation in an implicit critical discussion	28	(2)
Further reading	30	(1)
Exercises	31	(6)
Standpoints and Argumentation	37	(12)
Essentials	37	(8)
Identifying the standpoint	37	(2)
Indicators of argumentation	39	(1)
Clues in the context	40	(2)
Additional means of identifying argumentation	42	(1)
Explanation, elaboration, and clarification	42	(1)
A maximally argumentative interpretation	43	(2)
Further reading	45	(1)
Exercises	46	(3)
Unexpressed Standpoints and Unexpressed Premises	49	(14)
Essentials	49	(10)
Implicit elements in argumentative discourse	49	(2)
Indirectness and the rules for communication	51	(1)
Correctness conditions for speech acts	52	(1)
Violations of the communication rules	53	(1)
Different forms of indirectness	54	(2)
Making unexpressed standpoints explicit	56	(1)
Making unexpressed premises explicit	57	(1)
Unexpressed premises in a well-defined context	58	(1)
Further reading	59	(1)
Exercises	60	(3)
The Structure of Argumentation	63	(28)
Essentials	63	(15)
Single arguments	64	(1)
Multiple, coordinative, and subordinative argumentation	64	(2)
The complexity of the argumentation structure	66	(2)
Representing the argumentation structure schematically	68	(5)
The presentation of complex argumentation	73	(2)
A maximally argumentative analysis	75	(1)
Unexpressed premises and complex argumentation	76	(2)
Further reading	78	(1)
Exercises	79	(5)
Special assignments 2, 3, 4, 5	84	(7)
II: EVALUATION
The Soundness of Argumentation	91	(18)
Essentials	91	(13)
Evaluating argumentative discourse	91	(2)
The acceptability of argumentative statements	93	(1)
The validity of the reasoning	94	(1)
The use of argument schemes	95	(1)
Argumentation based on a symptomatic relation	96	(3)
Argumentation based on a relation of analogy	99	(1)
Argumentation based on a causal relation	100	(2)
The presentation of different types of argumentation	102	(2)
Further reading	104	(1)
Exercises	105	(4)
Fallacies (1)	109	(18)
Essentials	109	(14)
Violations of the freedom rule	109	(4)
Violations of the burden-of-proof rule	113	(3)
Violations of the standpoint rule	116	(3)
Violations of the relevance rule	119	(2)
Violations of the unexpressed premise rule	121	(2)
Further reading	123	(1)
Exercises	124	(3)
Fallacies (2)	127	(30)
Essentials	127	(12)
Violations of the starting point rule	127	(3)
Violations of the argument scheme rule	130	(2)
Violations of the validity rule	132	(2)
Violations of the closure rule	134	(2)
Violations of the usage rule	136	(3)
Further reading	139	(1)
Exercises	140	(10)
Special assignment 6	150	(7)
III: PRESENTATION
Written Argumentation	157	(14)
Essentials	157	(12)
A well-written argumentative text	157	(2)
An analytical overview as an aid to writing	159	(1)
Quality control	160	(5)
Rewriting the text	165	(4)
Further reading	169	(1)
Exercises	170	(1)
Special assignment 7	170	(1)
Oral Argumentation	171	(11)
Essentials	171	(8)
Preparing for a discussion	171	(2)
Participating in a discussion	173	(2)
Preparing an argumentative speech	175	(2)
Presenting an argumentative speech	177	(2)
Further reading	179	(1)
Exercises	180	(1)
Special assignment 8	180	(1)
Evaluation Form Speeches	181	(1)
Overview of Rules for Critical Discussion and Fallacies	182	(5)
Rules for Critical Discussion	182	(1)
Fallacies	183	(4)
General References	187	(2)
Author Index	189	(2)
Subject Index	191