Developing an Argument for Essays or Speeches TOULMIN SYSTEM

Argumentation Method Stephan Toulmin develop a method of argumentation that requires the writer to use logical structure, not in an attempt to prove any point, but in hopes of convincing one’s readers of the validity of the points used in the argument.

Using  Claim  Because clause  Grounds  Warrant  Backing  Rebuttal  Qualifiers

Claim The writer must choose a topic and then form an opinion about the topic. This info in one sentence is the claim.  Drugs should not be legalized.  Drugs should be legalized.

Stated Reason/ “Because Clause” This clause is added to a claim as a reason that supports the claim. Many papers will include more than one. Drugs should not be legalized because the legalization of drugs would increase the number of drug addicts.

Grounds  The evidence in the form of facts, data, or any information that supports the claim. How do you know? If police officers no longer arrest drug dealers, confiscate the drugs, and punish drug dealers and buyers, then there will be more drugs available to the people. How do you know? If police officers no longer arrest drug dealers, confiscate the drugs, and punish drug dealers and buyers, then there will be more drugs available to the people.

Warrant The underlying belief for the statement above is: Increasing the number of drug addicts would be bad.  The unstated assumption underlying a claim.  Should be a value, belief or principle on which the audience agrees.

Backing The support for the warrant. Why do you believe that? Increasing the numbr of drug addicts would be bad because a person who is doing drugs can hurt other when he/she is driving. Why do you believe that? Increasing the numbr of drug addicts would be bad because a person who is doing drugs can hurt other when he/she is driving.

Rebuttal  Acknowledgement of the limitations of the claim.  Under some circumstances, the claim may not be true. Also, one who is opposed to the writer’s claim may find ways to attack the reasons, grounds, warrant, or the backing.  You must rebut the rebuttal! Perhaps legalizing drugs would not increase the number of drug addicts because the government would regulate the sale and use of drugs.

Qualifiers Perhaps In many cases Often Probably  Words or phrases that limit the force of the writer’s claim.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health. Warrant: Drugs are addicting.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health. Warrant: Drugs are addicting. Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health. Warrant: Drugs are addicting. Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction. Conditions of Rebuttal: Drugs may help relieve stress and help medically.

All together now. Drugs should not be legalized because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Claim: Drugs should not be legalized. Stated Reason: Because legalization would greatly increase the number of drug addicts. Grounds: Effects of drugs on people, effects of drugs on health. Warrant: Drugs are addicting. Backing: Arguments showing examples of drug addiction and chemical effects on addiction. Conditions of Rebuttal: Drugs may help relieve stress and help medically. Qualifier: In most situations, drugs create drug addicts.

Airport screeners should use racial profiling because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists. Another Example

Claim Airport screeners should use racial profiling

Stated Reason Airport screeners should use racial profiling. Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists.

Grounds Airport screeners should use racial profiling. Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists. Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling.

Warrant Airport screeners should use racial profiling. Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists. Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling. Racial profiling helps stop terrorists.

Rebuttal Airport screeners should use racial profiling. Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists. Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling. Racial profiling helps stop terrorists. Racial profiling may offend others and also many be ethically wrong.

Qualifier Airport screeners should use racial profiling. Because doing so will increase the odds of stopping terrorists. Examples of terror suspects caught using racial profiling. Racial profiling helps stop terrorists. Racial profiling may offend others and also many be ethically wrong. When dealing with security, using racial profiling may be the most effective way in protecting citizens.

Your Turn Use the seven- part Toulim system to begin to develop an argument for one of the following questions.  Should the Pledge of Allegiance include the phrase “Under God,” or should that phrase be omitted?  Should schools be responsible for children’s moral education, or should a child’s moral development be solely the concern of the parents?