3 types of argument

start

Claims and 3 Types of Argument: Toulmin, Rogerian, & Classic

Learning Objectives. After this lesson, you will:

Be able to define a claim

Analyze the argument of a short documentary together

Identify and use elements of each type of argument

Tell how and why to use each type of argument

Distinguish between 3 types of argument

Identify different types of claims

What is a claim?

A claim is the point an arguer is trying to

make, the proposition or assertion.

The claim answers the question,"So what is your point?”

example: “Rosario is an American citizen, because she was born in the United States.”

example: “Elon Musk is going to be a judge on American Idol, so the show will be more popular than ever.”

What caused it? Where or what is its source? Why did it happen? What are its effects? EX: "The documentary claims that deforestation rates have doubled in the past decade."

Claim of cause & effect:

Claim of value:

Is it good or bad? Is it moral or amoral? Who cares? EX: "Volunteering at a local shelter is more rewarding than spending time on recreational activities."

What is it? What is it like? How should it be classified? EX: "Social media addiction is a mental health disorder that requires treatment and intervention."

Claim of definition:

What should we do? How should we act?What should future policy be? EX: "The government should increase funding for public education to reduce the achievement gap."

Claim of policy:

Did it happen? Is it true? Does it exist? Is it a fact? EX: "The documentary claims that deforestation rates have doubled in the past decade."

Claim of fact:

“While some people argue that video games lead to an increase in violence, my position is that no studies have proved a cause and effect relationship between the two. The opposing argument is based on a correlation between violence and video game use, but a correlation is not the same as cause and effect. There have been no studies to indicate that video games cause violent behavior.”

Rebuttal:

The act of refuting something by making a contrary argument, or presenting contrary evidence.

Counterargument:

An objection to the main argument -- the opposition. Example: Vaping vs. Smoking: Some believe that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes and can help people quit smoking. A counterargument is that vaping may not be as safe as claimed and could potentially lead to other health issues.

The 3 Types of Argument: Classic, Toulmin, & Rogerian

...how to analyze anyone's argument!

Go!

The Classic (Aristotelian)argument

“Rhetoric is the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.”

End with a Conclusion

Provide your proof (evidence)

Address the opposition (counter argument)

Present your case (body)

Introduce the issue & claim (thesis)

The 5 Parts of a Classic Argument

https://idaho.pressbooks.pub/write/chapter/aristotelian-classical-argument/

Buckle up! This method of persuasion is the oldest and most used style.

Explain the other side and refute their claims with rebuttal(s)

Opposition

The introduction contains your thesis

Introduction

Explain, summarize, analyze, and argue your point

Your Case

Concrete evidence that proves you are right.

Proof

Show readers how you want them to react.

Conclusion

Detailed description of a classic argument style

With pathos, the author appeals to the audience's feelings - pity, passion, or fear. Anything that "tugs on heart strings" is pathos appeal.

Logos uses logic, practical, hard evidence to support the speaker's claim.

Ethos establishes the author's credibility by making them seem trustworthy, a celebrity, or an expert.

Pathos

Logos

Ethos

A classical argument makes use of Aristotle's 3 rhetorical appeals:

Rhetorical Appeals

Needs Wants Passions Fears desires pity

"Doctors recommend""Scientists agree" Authorities... Experts... leaders... celebrities...

Statistics: 80% more 7 out of 10 Studies, surveys, Research

Rogerian Argument

Finding common ground

Go!

Carl Rogers (1902-1987), an American Psychologist and Clinical Therapist, utilized a humanistic (client-centered) approach to argumentation. The Rogerian method makes use of counterarguments and concessions, rather than being completely oppositional. Rogers’ nonconfrontational methods, when applied to argumentation in rhetoric, suggests that what we have in common are more important than what sets us apart.

What is "Rogerian"?

Rogerian strategy attempts to do three things: 1. to show understanding towards the audience, whether they agree or not 2. to address the counterargument first 3. to find common ground (everyone's position in the argument is valid) Not all rogerian arguments are "winnable." Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree.

Rogerian Style

Search for a Compromise

Make Your Claim in a Nonthreatening Way

Introduce instances where your assertion(s) are valid

Elaborate on the Value of Opposing Positions

Consider the opposition

Present the Problem

Strategies for a Rogerian Argument

compromise: the thesis allows for a compromise between the two main points of view.

tone: a discussion of the differing points of view in a neutral tone.

facts: the writer's point of view is supported by logos appeal.

counterargumentusually addressed first, letting the opposing point of view see that they are considered valid.

Parts of a Rogerian Essay

Stephen Toulmin, originally a British logician, became a professor. He became frustrated with the inability of formal logic to explain everyday arguments, which prompted him to develop his own model of practical reasoning. ...using logic.

Why Toulmin?

A sample Toulmin style argument in a documentary would attempt to showcase all the experts and data backing their claim(s). Warrants would be given to support the grounds on which the claim is made. For example,

Toulmin first identified the key elements of Argument

limitations on the claim details

Qualifier/Limiters

extra evidence that supports warrants

Backing

justification that links the grounds to the claim

Warrant

proof, evidence, support

Grounds

assertion or proposition

Claim

Explanation of the Toulmin method - video

Claim Evidence Purpose

Evaluating Arguments

As a critical reader, you must determine the value of the messages (arguments) that you read. ou must know the parts of an argument and be able to evaluate what makes an argument successfully persuasive. When you analyze an argument, you break it down into its parts and examine them by themselves and in relation to the other parts.

What is the main purpose of this argument? Why did the author write this? Who is their target audience and what kind of reacton do they want from the audience?

Find the author’s evidence. Is it convincing? Is it true? Be skeptical. Trace sources.

Identify the argument’s claim. Is it reasonable? Does it seem like a popular or controversial position on the topic? What do you already know about it?

Analyze the Argument of a Short Film (use the handout)

Sample Documentary Film Critique: Take notes while watching

Your film can be reviewed using the same criteria as we just used. For example, identify the claim and tell which type of claim it is. Example: "The film claims that grounding is defined as direct physical contact with the Earth, and it has specific health benefits." This claim is closely tied to a claim of fact, as it argues for the definition or categorization of something as true or established. Identify which argument type the film uses (Classic, Toulmin, Rogerian), and give examples that demonstrate that type of argument.