Structuring and Analyzing Arguments: The Classical and Toulmin, Models

1
Structuring and Analyzing Arguments The
Classical and Toulmin, Models

• Junior AP English
• September 23, 2008

2
Key Terms Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning

• Deductive Reasoning in traditional Aristotelian
  logic, the process of reasoning in which a
  conclusion follows necessarily from the stated
  premises inference by reasoning from the general
  to the specific
• Inductive Reasoning the process of reasoning
  from the specific to the general, in which the
  premises of an argument are believed to support
  the conclusion but do not ensure it. Inductive
  reasoning is used to formulate laws based on
  limited observations of recurring patterns.

3
Inductive Reasoning, Continued

• In literary and rhetorical analysis, use
  inductive reasoning. Base your analysis on the
  evidence in the text (or backpack).
• In persuasive/expository argument writing, it is
  still a good strategy to collect evidence and see
  where it leads you, rather than forcing the data
  to fit your claim.

4
Classical Argument

• Began in ancient Greece, approximately fifth
  century B.C.
• Communicated orally and designed to be easily
  understood by listeners
• Based on formal logic, including the syllogism
• Six main components

5
Key Terms The Syllogism

• Three-part deductive argument, in which
  conclusion follows from two premises
• A straightforward example
• Major premise All people have hearts.
• Minor premise John is a person.
• Conclusion Therefore, John has a heart.

6
Classical Argument Six Elements

• 1) Introduction captures attention of audience
  urges audience to consider your case
• 2) Statement of Background narrates the key
  facts and/or events leading up to your case
• 3) Proposition states the position you are
  taking, based on the information youve already
  presented, and sets up the structure of the rest
  of your argument
• 4) Proof discusses your reasons for your
  position and provides evidence to support each
  reason
• 5) Refutation anticipates opposing viewpoints
  then demonstrates why your approach is the only
  acceptable one (i.e. better than your opponents)
• 6) Conclusion summarizes your most important
  points and can include appeals to feelings or
  values (pathos and ethos)

7
The Toulmin Model

• Developed by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin
  in the 1950s
• Emphasizes that real-life logic often based on
  probability rather than certainty
• Focuses on claims that are based on evidence
  (inductive)
• Three primary components

8
Toulmin Model Three Components

• Three components
• Data the evidence that leads one to believe the
  claim, aka the reasons
• Claim the main point or position
• Warrant an underlying assumption or basic
  principle that connects data and claim often
  implied rather than explicit

9
Toulmin Model An Example

• Data The parents of nearly all of the juniors
  at UHS have given their children permission to
  attend Joe Shmos party on Friday night.
• Claim My parents should allow me to go to
  Joes party.
• Warrant My parents should act in accordance
  with the other parents of juniors at UHS.

10
Uh-oh, a potential snag

• What if my parents dont buy my warrant?
  What if they dont think they should necessarily
  do what other parents are doing?
• How can I still get permission to attend the
  party? Or at least have a better chance of
  getting permission?

11
Try new data and a new warrant.

• What might be more convincing data for an
  audience of parents?
• What might be a warrant that most parents will
  share?

12
Toulmin Argumentation in More Detail
therefore,
since
unless
because