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toulmin_argument-sp2015.pptxToulmin Argument
A process of discovering how argumentation works
Stephen Toulmin
An English philosopher who developed a six-part model of argument.
The Toulmin model is a “way of doing. . .detailed analysis” (“Writing Guide”).
Our analysis helps evaluate the effectiveness of the argument parts
Toulmin Model
| Data | Evidence |
| Claim | Claim |
| Warrant | Reasons |
| Support | Evidence |
| Backing | Additional evidence |
| Qualifiers | Exceptions; some, most, many, in general, usually, typically, etc. |
| Rebuttal | Objections |
S) Therefore, (Q) + (C)
Support Qualifier Claim
Since
(W) Warrant
Because Unless
(B) (R)
Backing Rebuttal
Data
Warrant
Claim
The three primary parts of the Toulmin.
The Claim
Claim or Thesis statement. Shows the topic plus your opinion—the point you wish to prove.
Use QUALIFIERS to limit depth and breath of claim
A qualified claim is easier to defend
Unqualified claims leaves the argument open for logical rebuttal (opposing view) or challenges to the claim
Ex. Some Americans believe the death penalty is barbaric.
Qualifiers and Exceptions
Qualifiers
A word that limits a claim
Some, many, few, usually, most, often, possibly
Most books by Charles Darwin are fun to read.
Exceptions
Limits on how far the claim will be discussed
Exceptions are specific examples that appear after the claim
Having labored over David Copperfield in high school, I would not rank that book among them.
The Reasons =Warrant
| Is the reason relevant to the claim? | Includes a value we believe in. Re-state the value to help judge its effectiveness. |
| Is the reason effective? | Give specific reason to support the claim |
The Evidence=Support
| Evidence must be: sufficient, credible, and accurate | One example from one area would not be sufficient in most cases. |
| Credibility | Choose evidence from sources the reader is likely to accept as knowledgeable |
| Accurate | “Tells the truth.” Are the facts presented found in other sources? Does the evidence support or provide where the material was found? |
Objections and Rebuttal
| What objections does the writer expect the audience to make? | Can provide opportunity for writer to include his or her reasons as rebuttals. |
| Identify counter-argument | Include evidence for the rebuttal that is sufficient, and accurate, and credible. |
| Anticipate objections | Anticipate objections to the writer’s claim by providing the objection and responding to the statement. |
| Justify why opposing views are not valid | Strengthen and support your reasons to invalidate opposing views. |
Toulmin Worksheet
Use the Toulmin worksheet to map out your essay
Make sure sources are sufficient, credible, and accurate
Writing a Toulmin Argument
Think carefully about audience; what does the audience believe in?
Consider assumptions of the audience
Consider your assumptions
You can 1) consider telling your audience you might be willing to change positions; 2) or, qualify your argument to state when and where the argument appears
The Process
Choose a topic (use your issue selected in the Classical argument)
Write a claim statement
Types of claims
Fact: What happened? Is it true? Does it exist? Is it a fact?
Definition: What is it? How do we classify it?
Value: Is it good or bad?
Policy: What should we do? How shall we solve this problem?
Toulmin Outline
Claim: I want the audience to believe___________________.
Support/subclaims: They should believe this because (list reasons).
Warrant: What values do I hold which make me believe this claim? Are these values the same as my audience?
Backing: Who is my audience? Do they have the same warrants that I have?
Rebuttal: What are the other positions on the issue? Which ones do need to discuss in may paper?
Qualifier: Should I state my argument in absolute terms or add some probable terms (sometimes, probably, if)?
Find Common Ground
Achieve common ground with the audience
Understand your audience.
Understand the needs and values of your audience: basis needs, health, financial well being, affection and friendship.
| Basic needs | Food, clothing and shelter | Policy: How can we assure all people have access to clean water? |
| Health | Access to doctors and health care | Cause: What causes most people to take all their prescription medicine? |
Assignment
Using your issue from the Classical Argument, write a Toulmin Analysis of the subject.
Use APA or MLA formatting per your instructor
Essay must be a minimum of 1,200-1,500 words, plus Works Cited
Essay must use a minimum of 5 (three sources)
