The text discusses different approaches to constructing arguments, focusing on Aristotelian rhetoric and the Toulmin model. Aristotelian rhetoric emphasizes three main strategies: logos, ethos, and pathos.
Works Cited:
Rottenberg, Annette T., and Donna Haisty Winchell. Elements of Argument: a Text and Reader. 11th ed., Bedford/St Martins, 2015.
Chapter 1: Aproaches to Arguement
Rogerian Argument: A rhetorical theory based on the counseling techniques of Carl Rogers (1902-1987) that emphasizes a search for common ground that would allow two opposing parties to start negotiations. (18)
Common Ground: Used in Rogerian argument to refer to any concept that two opposing parties agree on and can be used as a starting point for negotiation.
Argument: A form of discourse that attempt to persuade readers or listeners to accept a position on a controversial issue. (5)
Three Main Components
Audience
Subject
Writer
Toulmin Model: A conceptual system of argument devised by the philosopher Stephen Toulmin. It was used to analyze courtroom arguments. (24)
Warrant: A general principle or assumption that establishes a connection between the support and the claim.
Support: Any material that serves to prove an issue or claim.
Appeal to needs and values: An attempt to gain assent to a claim by showing that it will bring about what your audience wants and cares deeply about.
Evidence: Facts or opinions that support an issue or claim; may consist of statistics, reports of personal experience, or views of experts.
Claim: The conclusion of an argument; what the arguer is trying to prove.
Claim of value: A claim that asserts some things are more or less desirable than others.
Claim of policy: A claim asserting that specific courses of action should be instituted as solutions to problems.
Claim of fact: A claim that asserts something exists, has existed, or will exist, based on facts or data that the audience will accept as objectively verifiable.
Aristotelian Rhetoric (6)
Pathos: Appeal to the emotions.
Logos: An argument based on reason.
Syllogism: A formula of deductive argument consisting of three propositions: a major premise, a minor premise, and a logical conclusion.
Enthymeme: A syllogism in which one of the premises is implied.
Deduction: The process of applying a generalization to a specific instance.
Induction: The process of generalizing a general statement from specifics (examples).
Ethos: The qualities of character, intelligence, and goodwill in a writer or speaker that contribute to an audience's acceptance of the claim.
