Structuring and Analyzing Arguments: The Classical, Toulmin, and Rogerian Models

Classical Argument: Six Elements 1) Introduction: captures attention of audience; urges audience to consider your case 2) Statement of Background: narrates the key facts and/or events leading up to your case 3) Proposition: states the position you are taking, based on the information you’ve already presented, and sets up the structure of the rest of your argument 4) Proof: discusses your reasons for your position and provides evidence to support each reason 5) Refutation: anticipates opposing viewpoints; then demonstrates why your approach is the only acceptable one (i.e. better than your opponents’) 6) Conclusion: summarizes your most important points and can include appeals to feelings or values (pathos)

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Major premise: Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty; Minor premise: King George III is a tyrannical ruler Conclusion: Therefore, King George III deserves no loyalty. Purdue University Writing Lab 3

TOULMIN LOGIC This is an effort to describe argument as it actually occurs in everyday life. The CLAIM is the main point of the essay; it is usually stated as the thesis. The DATA is the material a writer uses to support the claim (evidence) The WARRANT is the inference that connects the grounds to the claim; it can be a belief that is taken for granted, or an assumptions that underlies the argument. Purdue University Writing Lab 4

TOULMIN LOGIC: Declaration of Independence Claim: King George III deserves no loyalty. Grounds: King George III is a tyrannical ruler (supported by facts and examples) Warrant: Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty. The clearer your warrant, the more likely readers will be to agree with it. Purdue University Writing Lab 5

Rogerian Arguments: Structure Introduction: statement of problem to be solved or question to be answered Summary of Opposing Views: described using a seemingly objective persona Statement of Understanding: concedes circumstances under which opposing views might be valid Statement of Your Position Statement of Contexts: describes contexts in which your position applies/works well Statement of Benefits: appeals to self-interest of readers who may not yet agree with you; demonstrates how your position benefits them

ROGERIAN LOGIC: Declaration of Independence (would look like this) Introduction – We need to do something about King George. Summary of Opposition – Declaring independence would mean a long, violent, costly war. Statement of Understanding – If injustices weren’t so great, this would be acceptable. Statement of Opinion – However, too many injustices have happened. We should do something. Statement of Contexts – Declaring independence will be more costly for them in this context. Conclusion – Let’s declare independence, but pursue peaceful resolution.