Argument
The basic components of any argument!
Argument = Claim + Reasoning + Evidence
What is an Aristotelian Argument also called?
(Bonus: What kind of arguments is it suited for?)
Classical or Traditional Argument
(Arguments that you have a definitive opinion on, or that is easy to take a side on)
Who created this kind of argument?
Philosopher Carl Rogers
Who created this style of argument?
Professor Stephen Toulmin
What is the main similarity between all of these?
They're all forms of argument! (lol this one is kind of redundant) They are all meant to persuade an audience to a particular perspective.
The people you are trying to convince with your argument
The audience
Who created this style of argument ?
Aristotle - The Great Rhetorician and Greek Philosopher
What did this style of argument begin as?
A counseling method for conflict resolution
What did this style of argument begin as?
A method to analyze arguments.
How do these arguments address the opposition?
Somewhat similarly
Aristotelian focuses on Counterarguments and Refutations,
Rogerian focuses on common ground with an opposing view,
Toulmin focuses on Rebuttals
What is it called when you have a flawed or incomplete argument?
A logical fallacy
(Bonus points if you can name 5 logical fallacies)
Name the four methods of persuasion Aristotle distilled and employed in his arguments.
Bonus: What is the term used to identify these methods
Ethos (Credibility), Pathos (Emotions), Logos (Logic), and Kairos (Time)
Rhetorical Appeals
How does this style work?
You present two opposing (or differing) sides to a position and attempt to bring them together into a new perspective.
What kind of topic is this style of argument suited for?
Topics with many different and often ambiguous or not easily answered perspectives.
How do these arguments structure themselves?
1. Aristotelian: Linearly, with 5 steps
2. Rogerian: Linearly, with 5 different steps.
3. Toulmin: Non-Linearly, with 6 different steps. (3 Required, 3 Optional)
The most important elements to take into account when creating any piece of writing, but especially in argument.
Your Rhetorical Situation - Purpose, Genre, Audience, Stance, Context, Language, Medium, Design
What must your thesis be in this style of argument? (Bonus: What are the elements of a good thesis in general)
Unambiguous (Definitively for or against something) in it's premise. Specific and debatable.
(Claim + several supporting Reasons or Evidence)
What type of argument is this style suited for?
For arguments without an easy or definitive answer or position.
What are the elements/components of a Toulmin argument? Explain one.
Claims, Grounds, Warrant, Backing, Qualifier, Rebuttal
What are the differences of approach between these styles of argument.
Aristotelian: Assertive, Direct, Adversarial
Rogerian: Cooperative, Empathetic, Non-Confrontational
Toulmin: Analytical, Practical, Flexible
What style of argument did we use during our Socratic Seminar?
Didactic and/or Dialectic Arguments
Didactic: Arguments through mutual conversation intended to teach someone about a truth
Dialectic: An argument made through a discussion or investigation into the truth of opinions
How many steps does Aristotelian Argument have? Explain one.
5 in the adapted version
1. Introduce your issue, 2. Present your case, 3. Address the opposition, 4. Provide your proof, 5. Present your conclusion.
What are the components of a Rogerian Argument. Explain one.
1. Introduce the problem, 2. Acknowledge the other side, 3. Present your side, 4. Bring the two sides together, 5.Remind your audience of the balanced perspective you presented.
What is a Warrant?
A Warrant is a bit different from reasoning. It is what links the grounds to the claim. This is what makes the audience understand how the grounds are connected to the supporting claim. Can be implied or explicit.
What are the differences in purpose between these arguments?
Aristotelian: Persuade the audience that your position is the most logical and correct.
Rogerian: Reduce conflict and build common ground with those who disagree.
Toulmin: Analyze the logic behind arguments, especially in complex or debatable topics.