TOULMIN MODEL OF ARGUMENT

• British Logician• Frustrated with the inability of formal logic to explain everyday

arguments• Came up with a model for practical reasoning

TWO TRIADS – FIRST TRIAD

• Claim: the main point the arguer is trying to make-takes the form of a proposition

answering the question “So what is your point?”• You should send a birthday card to Nancy. • It is your turn to drive.• Three types of claims:• Fact• Value• Policy

• Grounds: the proof or evidence arguer is offering, answering the questions “What is your proof?”, “How come?”, “Why?”, “What makes you say that?”• Because she sent you one on your birthday.• I drove last time.• Use evidence• Source credibility• Analysis & reasoning

FIRST TRIAD CONTINUED

• Warrant: the summary linking statement between the grounds and the claim.• This family usually remembers birthdays.• We usually take turns driving.• It also identifies the reasoning used in the grounds.• Generalization Cause• Analogy Authority• Sign Parallel Case• GASCAP

TOULMIN’S SECOND TRIAD

• Backing: provides additional evidence to support reasoning

• Qualifier: the degree of force or probability to be attached to the claim

• Rebuttal: admits to where circumstances or situations the argument would not hold