1. Toulmin Argument Model Argumentation Basics 101

2. Objectives Why know this stuff + its uses
Identify and Describe Parts of an Argument based on Toulmin Model
Analyze Arguments based on Toulmin Model

3. Why More Persuasive + Not as easily manipulated Constructive Reason:
Helps you make Stronger Arguments
Consumption Reason:
Helps you Evaluate Other’s Arguments
More Persuasive +
Not as easily manipulated

4. Toulmin Model Overview

5. Model at its Most Basic

6. Data / Grounds / Backing (Reasoning; Analysis)
Core Parts
Claim
(Thesis, the “Point”)
Data / Grounds / Backing
(Evidence; Proof)
Warrant
(Reasoning; Analysis)
What you are trying to get someone to accept; the end point of the argument
Propositions
Fact
Value
Policy
Topic Sentences
Argument/Issue Labels
The various forms of evidence or proof you use to back a claim
Types:
Facts
Examples
Statistics
Testimony (Expert, Witness, Opinion)
Analytics/Premise
“Research”
Justification or link between the Data and Claim
How or why does the data justify the claim? Or, why does the data offered mean the claim is true?
Often the logical principle or idea underlying the argument. “Appealing to (what type of logical principle)”?
Often not stated; implicit not explicit
Claim
statement asserting something
usually comes before the “because” or after the “then” in an “if-then” statement
Proof/Data
evidence, grounds, reasons in support of the claim
usually comes after the “because” or in the “if” part of an “if-then” statement
Analysis/Warrant
justification for the use of the data for the claim
words are not actually in the statement; warrant = a description of the relationship between the data and the claim. It’s the “fit” between the two.
the strength or weakness of an argument is often dependent on the logic and persuasiveness of the warrant

7. More on Types of Warrants
Ethos is about reputation.
Appeal to the author’s credentials, POV, and/or credibility.
“Believe because the author is an expert on the subject.”
Pathos is about feelings and passion.
Appeal to the listener’s emotions
“Believe because it will help you be popular, beautiful, and attractive.”
Logos is about logic and rationality.
Inductive reasoning tends to move from specifics to generalities.
Examples, analogies, or causal correlations = appeal
“Believe because experiment 1, 2, and 3 all lead to the same conclusion.”
Ethos
Pathos
Logos-
Inductive
Deductive reasoning tends to move from the general to specifics.
Causal generalizations or signs/symptoms = appeal
“Believe because if X is true, it follows that “Y” must be true as well.”
The net gain or net loss of a given action or decision.
All the costs and benefits are summed together; the net results justifies argument.
“Believe because the reasons for it outnumber and outweigh the reasons against it.”
Deontology is a fancy way of talking about ethics or morals.
Appeal to a person’s values or principles.
“Believe because it is the morally right thing to do.”
Logos-
Deductive
Logos-
Cost-Benefit
Principles-Deontology

8. Advanced Parts to the Model
exceptions to the claim; description of possible counter-examples and counter-arguments.
used to help analyze the argument’s weaknesses and to set up refutation options.
Rebuttal / Reservations
Degree of strength, intensity, or scope of an argument. (ex. “always”, “often”, “usually”, “maybe”, etc.)
Sets a limit to the claim. How far can we take this assertion?
Qualifier
Additional statements that serve to support the warrant (i.e., an argument that doesn't necessarily prove the main point being argued, but which does prove the warrant (i.e. logic of argument) is true.)
Backing

9. Q+A Construction of Model
Claim
“The Cowboys will win the Superbowl this year.”
Q: What are you basing that claim on?
Data
“They have the best defense in the league.”
Q: Why does the fact that they have the best defense lead you to believe they’ll win the Superbowl?
Warrant
“Defense, historically, has had the most significant impact on who wins playoff games.”
Q: Ok, but what supports this line of reasoning?
Backing
“The team with the best defense has won each of the last five years.”
Q: Okay, but how confident of this line of reasoning are you?
Qualification
“Pretty sure. Say 80%. So it is likely that the Cowboys will win the Superbowl this year.”
Q: If you are so confident that the Cowboys will win the Superbowl then why don’t you mortgage the house and place a huge bet?
Reservation
“Anything could happen. The Cowboys defense might have a lot of injuries.”

10. Back to the Basic Model
Data
Claim
Warrant

11. Basic Practice
The Spurs will win the NBA Championship because they hate the Heat.
Data
Because they hate the Heat
Claim
Spurs will win the NBA Chamionship
Warrant
Teams with strong motivation, such as hate, often win.

12. Basic Practice
The Spurs will win the NBA Championship because they have already won 2 away games.
Data
Because they won 2 away games
Claim
Spurs will win the NBA Championship
Warrant
Winning games while away is difficult and insinuates that they will more easily win home games too.

13. Basic Practice
The Spurs will win the NBA Championship because they have better team chemistry.
Data
Because they have better team chemistry
Claim
Spurs will win the NBA Championship
Warrant
They are an older team and teams play better together when they have chemistry.

14. Basic Practice
Biking to school is better for the environment because it doesn’t pollute the air.
Data
It doesn’t pollute the air.
Claim
Biking to school is better for the environment
Warrant
Anything that doesn’t pollute the air is good for the environment.