Structuring and Analyzing Arguments: Toulmin, and Rogerian Models AP Language and Composition

Modern Approaches to Argument Toulmin Rogers

Modern Rhetorical Triangle PURPOSE Message (logos) Rhetorical context Writer (ethos) Audience (pathos)

The Toulmin Model Developed by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in the 1950’s Emphasizes that logic often based on probability rather than certainty Focuses on claims Informal logic: based on probability. Gives good reasons, persuasive arguments. Does not attempt to prove…. Acknowledges reasonable arguments of both sides Seven components

Toulmin Model: Three Components Claim = statement of the main point or position Data = the evidence supporting the claim, aka the reasons Warrant = an underlying/unstated assumption or basic principle that connects data and claim; as said before, perhaps implied rather than explicit

Toulmin Model: Other Components Grounds: provide actual evidence in support of the reasons. Examples, statistics, citations, facts Backing: supports warrant, if needed. Conditions of Rebuttal: bring up and address counter- arguments. Attacks grounds and/or the warrant and backing. Qualifier: limits a claim. Gets rid of absolutes. Can prove a claim is faulty if given absolutes like always, never…..can find exceptions to such broad statements.

Toulmin Argumentation Graphic Claim Data Qualifier Warrant Backing Rebuttal

Toulmin Model: An Example Claim = My parents should allow me to go to my friend’s party on Friday night. Data = The parents of nearly all of the seniors at CHS have given their children permission to attend this party. Warrant = My parents should act in accordance with the other parents of juniors at CHS.

Uh-oh, a potential snag… What if my parents don’t “buy” my warrant? What if they don’t 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?

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?

Rogerian Model Developed by psychologist Carl Rogers (also in the ’50s) Emphasizes problem-solving and/or coming to consensus Mutually acceptable solutions to problems Allows the author to appear open-minded or even objective Appropriate in contexts where you need to convince a resistant opponent to at least respect your views

Rogerian Model Seeks common ground Builds trust Reduces threat Avoids confrontation/attack Gives credit to counterarguments

Rogerian Arguments: Structure Introduction: statement of problem to be solved or question to be answered Summary of Opposing Views: described using a seemingly objective persona Statement of Understanding: concedes circumstances under which opposing views might be valid Statement of Your Position Statement of Contexts: describes contexts in which your position applies/works well Statement of Benefits: appeals to self-interest of readers who may not yet agree with you; demonstrates how your position benefits them