Argument Structure:: Representation and Theory (Argumentation Library Book 18)

This monograph presents a method of diagramming argument macrostructure, synthesizing the standard circle and arrow approach with the Toulmin model. A theoretical justification of this method through a dialectical understanding of argument, a critical examination of Toulmin on warrants, and a thorough discussion of the linked-convergent distinction follows. Discussion includes consideration of alternative understandings of argument structure and its representation presented in Wigmore’s chart method, Pollock’s inference graphs, and the pragma-dialectical approach to argumentation. An account of the proper reconstruction of enthymemes and issues at the border of structural analysis versus evaluation of arguments conclude the book. Front Matter....Pages i-xviii An Approach to Argument Macrostructure....Pages 1-38 The Dialectical Nature of Argument....Pages 39-58 Toulmin’s Problematic Notion of Warrant....Pages 59-88 The Linked-Convergent Distinction—A First Approximation....Pages 89-105 Argument Structure and Disciplinary Perspective: The Linked-Convergent Versus Multiple-Co-ordinatively Compound Distinctions....Pages 107-128 The Linked-Convergent Distinction–Refining the Criterion....Pages 129-171 Argument Structure and Enthymemes....Pages 173-195 From Analysis to Evaluation....Pages 197-204 Back Matter....Pages 205-211 This monograph first presents a method of diagramming argument macrostructure, synthesizing the standard circle and arrow approach with the Toulmin model. A theoretical justification of this method through a dialectical understanding of argument, a critical examination of Toulmin on warrants, a thorough discussion of the linked-convergent distinction, and an account of the proper reconstruction of enthymemes follows. An approach to argument macrostructure The dialectical nature of argument Toulmin's problematic notion of warrant The linked-convergent distinction, a first approximation Argument structure and disciplinary perspective : the linked-convergent versus multiple-co-ordinatively compound distinctions The linked-convergent distinction, refining the criterion Argument structure and enthymemes From analysis to evaluation.