Argument

1. What is rhetoric? What is argument?

1. Is rhetoric the use of language to mislead or manipulate? or is it “the use of language as a symbolic means

of inducing cooperation,” as Kenneth Burke says?2. Is argument a conflict in language, a contest between

opposing verbal forces, a discussion involving disagreement, a

contentious ordisputatious quarrel, or is it rather a process of reasoned inquiry, of

rational discourse seeking mutual ground?

Reading Argument

Are the positions you are reading……Reasonable and valuable? Presented in a trustworthy voice? Honorable – worthy of our thought and emotion? using the classic appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos.Is the author effective? Does he / she present Not only a counterargument, but an argument presented from multiple perspectives?

3 Types of Argument

1. Arguments of fact state that something is or is not the case,

one event or condition leads to another or is likely to.

For example, we might argue that AP students do better in college, Computers enhance learning in the classroom The media is responsible for the shortening of the

attention span, Mercury in the food chain or cigarette smoke in

the air causes cancer.

3 Types of Arguments

2. Arguments of value state that something is or is not desirable.

They involve evaluations of quality or worth according to accepted criteria.

For example, one might assert that this or that novel or film is of significant

merit, that preemptive war is or is not a justifiable practice,

that Bill Clinton was or was not a good president, that health concerns take precedence over profit.

3 Types of Argument

3. Arguments of policy state that something should or should not be done. (supported w/ facts & values)

They make recommendations for practice or implementation.

For example, the minimum wage should be increased, that stem cell research should be funded, that Huck Finn should or should not be part of the

curriculum, gay marriage should or should not be legalized, the designated hitter should be eliminated from

baseball

Toulmin Model (Model for analyzing arguments)

A claim is an assertion “the conclusion you reach after testing the evidence that supports your belief,” (Kathleen Bell)

The support consists of the data or reasons used as evidence for the claim

A warrant A specific statement linking the claim to the support. Your assumptions about why / how this is important.

Toulmin Model

Backing consists of further assurances or data

A qualifier, when used (e.g., “usually,” “probably,” “in most cases,” “most likely”), explains the terms and conditions of the claim (are there any exceptions), restricts the terms of the claim

A rebuttal argument against counterarguments

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova

What is the claim, warrant, data?

A. We should buy the car that is the safest.

B. We should buy this used Volvo.

C. Studies show Volvos are very safe.