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Contemporary
Strategy
Toulmin Method
The Toulmin Method
of argumentation was developed by Stephen Toulmin, a contemporary
philosopher whose ideas are often
included as part of
modern rhetorical theory. This method is designed to assist you
in analyzing or constructing the logic of an argument, whether it
is spoken
or written.
If you consider
Toulmin’s Method as an organizational strategy,
it does not include either introductory or concluding material. It
also only considers the logical aspects of the argument.
Sample construction
of an argument with the Toulmin Method
Project’s
Claim: a controversial statement
- Reason
#1: the first argument (line of reasoning) supporting the
claim
- Warrant/Principle:
the connection between the first reason and the claim:
- Backing:
evidence to support the first warrant
- Evidence #1:
evidence to support the first reason
- Evidence #2:
evidence to support the first reason
- Evidence #3:
evidence to support the first reason
Reason
#2: the second argument (line of reasoning) supporting
the claim
- Warrant/Principle:
the connection between the second reason and the claim:
- Backing:
evidence to support the second warrant
- Evidence
#1: evidence to support the second reason
- Evidence
#2: evidence to support the second reason
- Evidence
#3: evidence to support the second reason
Reason
#3: the third argument (line of reasoning) supporting
the claim
- Warrant/Principle:
the connection between the third reason and the claim:
- Backing:
evidence to support the third warrant
- Evidence
#1: evidence to support the third reason
- Evidence
#2: evidence to support the third reason
- Evidence
#3: evidence to support the third reason
…(for
as many arguments/lines of reasoning that you have in the paper)
Refutation
Section
- Objection
#1:
the first argument against your claim (you can argue against
the reason, the warrant, the backing,
and/or the evidence)
- Rebuttal:
your argument against the first objection
- Objection
#2: the second argument against your claim
- Rebuttal:
your argument against the second objection
- Objection
#3: the third argument against your claim
- Rebuttal:
your argument against the third objection
…(for
as many objections that you have in the paper)
REFERENCE
Toulmin, S. (1964). The Uses of Argument. New York: Cambridge
University Press.
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