The first and most thoroughly developed audience-oriented argumentation text has been updated to its 8thedition: Argumentation and Critical Decision Makingpresents argumentation as a cooperative, communicative process. This 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, government, 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, Argumentation and Critical Decision Makingaims to help readers develop practical argumentation skills within the world of their daily lives.

Preface

Part One Principles

1 Defining Argumentation

Elements of Argumentation

Elements of Critical Decision Making

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

2 Appraising Argumentation

Argumentation and Being Reasonable

The Bases of Reason in Argumentation

Starting Points for Argumentation

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

3 Making Sense of Argumentation

Some Ways of Making Sense

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

4 The Nature of Arguments

The Model of an Argument

Reasoning Processes

Definitions as Argument

The Analysis of Arguments

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

5 Analysis in Argumentation

Critical Analysis to Find a Proposition

Critical Analysis of a Proposition

Analysis of Claims

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

6 Case Building

Preliminary Steps in Case Building

Developing a Convincing Vision

Communication to Specific Decision Makers

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

Part Two Tools

7 Support: Evidence

Forms of Evidence

General Principles for the Use of Evidence

Sphere Dependence of Evidence

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

8 Support: Values

Characteristics of Values

Values Appear in Systems

Values Define Ethics

General Principles for the Use of Values

Sphere Dependence of Values

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

9 Support: Credibility

Characteristics of Credibility

Forms of Credibility

General Principles for the Use of Credibility

Sphere Dependence of Credibility

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

10 Refutation

The Process of Refutation

Approaching Refutation

Setting a Framework for Refutation

Selecting a Posture for Refutation

Communicating Refutation

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

11 Refutation by Fallacy Claims

Views of Fallacy

Social Guides to Fallacy Claims

Using Fallacy Claims in Refutation

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

Part Three Applications

12 Argumentation in Law

Narratives in Legal Argumentation

Arguments on the Law

Commonplaces in Legal Argumentation

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

13 Argumentation in Science

What is Science?

Scientific Values

The Tradition of Argumentation in Science

Scientific Use of Argument Types

Scientific Use of Evidence

Scientific Method as Argument

Conclusion

Project s/Exercises

14 Argumentation in Religion

Major Questions in Religious Argumentation

Evidence in Religious Argumentation

Preferred Argument Forms

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

15 Argumentation in Business

Starting Points for Business Argumentation

Forms of Support in Business Argumentation

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

16 Argumentation in Government and Politics

The Nature of Political Argumentation

Argumentation in Government and Politics

Argumentation in Legislative Action

Argumentation in Political Campaigns

The Special Role of Debates

Refutation in the Political Campaign

Conclusion

Projects/Exercises

References

Name Index

Subject Index

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