What is argumentation?

Defined:

“an

argument

is writing or speaking (discourse) characterized by a reason or reasons advanced to support a conclusion.” (Herrick) “

argumentation

is the ongoing process of advancing and responding to arguments.” (Herrick)

Reasons we make arguments  To justify our position on a topic.

 To seek to persuade someone.

 As a means of discovery, inquiry, and education.

Characteristics of arguments:  Involves disagreement of some type with another person  Is a form of communication  Involves human values.

 Motivation to engage in an argument.

 Arguments begin when reasons are put forward.

 Testing of arguments.

Disagreement  Individuals hold differing points of view.

 Perception plays a key role.

 Disagreement arises because of different attitudes, values and beliefs.

Values:  Values are shaped by our experiences, religion, culture, age, gender, etc.

 Certain arguments concern more important or substantive values than others.

 Values are some what stable, but not static. (new information, political and ideological, and erosion)

Motivation:  For argumentation to occur individuals must participate.

 “powerful” reasons must be part of the argument.

 Individuals can have various reasons for arguing.

Reasons: • “a statement advanced to establish a claim” (Herrick) Reasons vary in strength.

• Good reasons must be “ethically” sound.

• Some reasons need ample backing.

History of Argumentation  Aristotle and Plato in Ancient Greece  The public as legislators and lawyers  Rhetoric  Logos  Ethos  Pathos

Reasons to study argumentation:  Helps prevent the triumph of fraud and injustice.

 Provides a method of instruction to the public.

 Makes us see both sides of a case.

 Can be a means of self-defense.