The Toulmin Model of Argumentation

Toulmin Model: Introduction A useful way of both analyzing and structuring an argument is through the Toulmin Model, an approach to argumentation created by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in 1958. The Toulmin model is an effective tool in uncovering the assumptions that underlie arguments. Although at first this method (especially its terminology) may seem complicated, it is actually a very practical method because it helps with analyzing, structuring, and understanding abstract arguments.

The Toulmin Model has 5 distinct parts… CLAIM ASSUMPTION EVIDENCE QUALIFIER RESERVATION

(1) Evidence Evidence consists of all the statistics, data, anecdotes, etc. that are used by the author to support his or her argument A strong argument stands on credible, sufficient, and accurate evidence When evaluating an author’s evidence, you might ask yourself the following questions: Is the evidence from a well-respected source? Does the author use enough evidence? Is the evidence verifiable by other credible sources?

(2) Assumption Assumptions are the expectations and suppositions that must be shared by the audience and speaker In order for the reader to be persuaded by a particular argument, that reader must share the writer’s assumptions Assumptions may be explicitly stated or implied

(3) Qualifier The qualifier tempers the strength of the claim by limiting its universality, or in what circumstances the argument applies Essentially, the qualifier determines how sure the author is about his/her claim Often, qualifying statements begin with words like usually, probably, maybe, etc.

(4) Reservation The reservation specifies the conditions under which an argument might not be true This is similar to a counterargument where the author anticipates and prepares for opposing viewpoints Often following a reservation is a new piece of evidence to support the author’s conclusion rather than the opposing claim

(5) Claim This is the main argument made by the text; it may also be thought of as the proposition put forth by the author that the reader is meant to see as fully truthful and/or justified The claim is similar to an umbrella statement under which all other parts of the argument stand

Let’s look at an example… QUALIFIER Because it is probably raining, I should take my umbrella, since it will keep me dry unless it has a hole in it. EVIDENCE CLAIM ASSUMPTION RESERVATION

EXAMPLE 1 EVIDENCE: many polls…show that Americans rank Reagan with John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest presidents of all time ASSUMPTION: popularity is a valid way to rank significance QUALIFIER: seem to show RESERVATION: as long as these popularity polls can be verified CLAIM: Ronald Reagan’s likeness should be chiseled onto Mt. Rushmore Ronald Reagan’s likeness should be chiseled onto Mt. Rushmore, alongside Washington, Jefferson Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Many polls seem to show that Americans rank Reagan with John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest presidents of all time, which is important since popularity is a valid way to rank significance. As long as these popularity polls can be verified, this should be done immediately.

EXAMPLE 2 EVIDENCE: recent studies show that…80% of those who ingest secondhand smoke from public smokers have a higher risk of getting respiratory problems than smokers themselves ASSUMPTION: banning an action that causes problems to innocent civilians is helpful in many ways QUALIFIER: almost 80% RESERVATION: unless it tramples on other individual rights CLAIM: smoking in public places should be banned Smoking in public places should be banned. Smoking in public places endangers people; recent studies show that almost 80% of those who ingest secondhand smoke from public smokers have a higher risk of getting respiratory problems than smokers themselves. Truly, banning an action that causes problems to innocent civilians is helpful in many ways, unless it tramples on other individual rights.