1. The Toulmin Model of Argumentation Or, the Structure of Arguments

2. Goals: Close Critical Reading Cont.
How can we become smarter readers and audience of claims and arguments on social media?
Careful reading of hidden assumptions (engine) cohering the argument

3. More Tools for Building Close, Critical Reading
Uncovering the missing premise at work by using the Toulmin model of argumentation

4. Convincing, somewhat convincing, not at all?
Gay marriage is wrong because the Bible forbids it.
According to the authors of Becoming a Vegetarian Family, a vegetarian diet leads to healthier and longer life.
We should have fewer homework in this class because they create stress.

5. The Big Questions for Today
Why do you find these arguments convincing or weak?
How do arguments work; what are their elements?
How can you detect flaws in arguments?
How can you argue more effectively?

6. Stephen Toulmin
3/25/1922 – 12/4/2009

7. Elements of Argument Claim Ground (data)
thesis, the main argument
Ground (data)
support, evidence
Warrant (often unstated) | missing premise
assumption, inference connecting the claim and ground, the beam supporting the argument
4. Backing
further support for the warrant

9. Applying Toulmin’s Model
Rule
Persuasion happens if/when the audience
accepts your warrant. (Arguments only work if the
audience agree with the premise.)
Implications
Know the audience’s assumption
Build an argument to align with it

10. Any time you [make] an argumentative claim, you have to analyze the assumptions behind the argument and consider whether the members of your audience share the same assumptions. Simply providing evidence is not enough.

11. Exercise
Deciphering the warrant

12. How to Use the Toulmin Model
Breakdown the validity of people’s arguments to test its validity and flaws
Strengthen your own argument—build an effective argument of your own

13. Applying Toulmin’s Theory
What is the main claim (thesis, argument) being advanced? Name the main purpose of the argument only.
What ground (support, data) is provided?
What is the warrant (assumption) behind it?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the argument?

17. Argument Analysis Activity
Copy the tweet and then map out the followings:
What is the claim?
What is the data?
What is the warrant? Identify 3 different assumptions?
How valid is the warrant? What might we need to call into question? How might we need to problematize the warrant?

18. Closing Question
How well informed of a reader/citizen are you when you hear arguments on social media and in your life? Are you able to get to the level of hidden assumptions cohering the argument? Can you see the engine?