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AP Language
Toulmin ModelElements of the Toulmin Model Stephen Toulmin is a Bri2sh philosopher and teacher, best known for the model of argumenta2on that bears his name. In The Uses of Argument (1958), he proposed analyzing the kind of prac2cal arguments that people engage in every day, rather than the abstract world of philosophical debate. Toulmin believes that reasoning is less an ac2vity of inference involving the discovering of new ideas, but more so a process of tes2ng and siFing already exis2ng ideas—an act achievable through the process of jus2fica2on. Toulmin developed his theory of argumenta2on because of what he viewed as an inherent problem with formal logic. Put simply, Toulmin recognized what every person should already know: Real people do not argue in syllogisms, like the one we studied as a part of logos:
• Major Premise: All men are mortal, • Minor Premise: Socrates was a man,• Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.
Toulmin realized that this form of argumenta2on is not what we encounter when we debate poli2cs, discuss the rela2ve merit of our favorite films or listen to argument in almost any context. Consequently, Toulmin developed his theory in order to explain how argumenta2on occurs in the natural process of everyday argument.
Claim Think of the claim in an argument as the most general statement in the argument. It may not be a par2cularly general statement all by itself, and some claims for arguments are very narrow. But the claim in an argument is like the umbrella statement that all other parts of an argument have to fall under. If a reason (or evidence) doesn't fall under the umbrella of the claim, then it’s irrelevant.
Data Data is the informa2on that generates the claim in theory. More oFen, it is searched for aFer the claim is provided, but ideally, the claim will come from careful analysis of the data.
• “the evidence, facts, data, and informa2on that are the reason for the claim in the first place-‐ a reasoned beginning” (Ross, 1985).
• Data is significant because it establishes the basis of the argument. In effect, the data is the star2ng point from which all sound arguments must begin.
• Types of Data: Anecdotal, Tes2mony, Sta2s2cs.
Classroom Notes: Toulmin Model
AP Language and Composition - LCHS, Mr. Thomas 1
AP Language
Warrants These are the assump2ons or presupposi2ons underlying the argument. Warrants are generally accepted beliefs and values, common ways our culture or society views things; because they are so commonplace, warrants are almost always unstated and implied. The author and audience may either share these beliefs, or the author’s warrants may be in conflict with audience’s generally held beliefs and cultural norms and values. Warrants are important because they are the "common ground" of author and audience; shared warrants invite the audience to par2cipate by unconsciously supplying part of the argument. Warrants are also important because they provide the underlying reasons linking the claim and the support. You can infer the warrants by asking, "What’s causing the author to say the things s/he does" or "Where’s the author coming from?” Warrants can be ethical statements like “humans should respect animals rights” or factual arguments like “Congress has the authority to pass na2on-‐wide laws.”
Backing These are the assump2ons or presupposi2ons underlying the argument. Warrants are generally accepted beliefs and values, common ways our culture or society views things; because they are so commonplace, warrants are almost always unstated and implied. The author and audience may either share these beliefs, or the author’s.
Rebuttal The Rebuaal (or Reserva2on) is an excep2on to the claim presented by the arguer. In Toulmin’s model, arguments are not considered to be true without analysis. The rebuaal demonstrates how arguments can be strengthened (and made more correct) by acknowledging the limits of the argument.
Qualifier The Qualifier is recogni2on of the rebuaal. AFer analyzing one’s argument and acknowledging its limits, the rhetor should signify his/her new statement with the qualifier statement. Qualifiers are oFen words like
•Except •Unless •Other than
Classroom Notes: Toulmin Novel
AP Language and Composition - LCHS, Mr. Thomas 2
AP Language
1.1 - Chart of Toulmin
1.2 - Example of Toulmin
Classroom Notes: Toulmin Novel
AP Language and Composition - LCHS, Mr. Thomas 3