Toulmin Argument

1. Toulmin Argument A powerful and practical tool for analyzing and shaping arguments.

2. Components of an Argument • Claim: Declarative statement of opinion that’s debatable or controversial. • Often the response to the question: What’s your opinion?

3. Components of an Argument • Reasons/Premises: The rationale/justification supporting the primary claim or conclusion. • Can be determined by stating the claim or opinion and then asking “why?”

4. Components of an Argument • Data: Empirical evidence supporting the premises and claim. • Personal experience, anecdotes, facts, expert opinion, etc. • Commonly referred to as the backing and grounds. • Emotional, ethical, and logical claims constitute the data.

5. Components of an Argument • Warrant: Logical and persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons and data supporting it. • Answers the question: How do I get from the claim to the data? • Warning! Warrants can be tricky. • Can be phrased various ways. • Concentrate on finding the assumption that makes the claim seem plausible. • It’s often a value or principle.

6. Components of an Argument • Qualifiers: Words and phrases that place limits on claims. Often referred to as softeners because they narrow the scope of a claim • Usually, sometimes, in many cases, perhaps, often, occasionally, etc.

7. Components of an Argument • Conditions of Rebuttal: Potential objections to an argument. • Points of resistance to an argument. • Graves and Hodges’ The Reader Over Your Shoulder.

8. Components of an Argument • Refutations: Offering backing/grounds to overcome a rebuttal.