Argumentative Strategies
Code
722011050
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Ciências da Comunicação
Credits
10
Weekly hours
3 letivas + 1 tutorial
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) To analyze arguments, highlighting the type of argument scheme used to support a conclusion
b) To assess the probative weight of an argument
c) To individuate fallacies and counter weak or deceptive arguments
d) To improve interpretation and critical thinking abilities
Transferable Skills:
Assessing arguments; argumentation and critical thinking skills; presentational abilities.
The analysis of the argument structure improves the students ability to individuate and reconstruct the implicit dimensions of reasoning. The explanation of basic logical concepts provides the students with instruments for assessing the validity of arguments and individuating formal fallacies. The teaching of fundamental argumentation schemes provides the student with an instrument for the analysis, reconstruction and evaluation of arguments, leading them to distinguishing between reasonable or acceptable arguments and fallacious moves. The analysis of emotions is carried out in relation with the argument
Prerequisites
Not applicable
Subject matter
1.Introduction. Basic notions of argumentation theory: (Dialogues. The structure of an argument. Argument and explanation. Rebutting and questioning arguments).
2.The logic of arguments. (Deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning. Abductive reasoning).
3.Formal fallacies. (Syllogistic Errors, Affirming the consequent, Causal fallacies, Non Sequitur).
4.Presumptive reasoning. (The structure of an enthymeme. The system of maxims and argumentation schemes).
5.Argumentation schemes. (Arguments from knowledge and authority. Argument from cause. Argument from sign).
6.Arguments from definition.
7.Redefinitions and Persuasive Definitions
8.Semantic Strategies: analogy and opposition.
9. Emotive argument schemes and fallacies.
10.Ethos and reasoning. (Commitments in a dialogue. Argument from inconsistency).
11.Fallacies of relevance (Straw man. Begging the question).
12.Persuasion dialogue.
13.Practical reasoning and decision-making dialogue
Bibliography
Douglas Walton (2006). Fundamentals of Critical Argumentation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Further readings
1.Eemeren, F.H. van, & Grootendorst, R. (2004). A systematic theory of argumentation: The pragma-dialectical approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
2.Macagno F, Walton D. (2009). Argument from Analogy in Law, the Classical Tradition, and Recent Theories. Philosophy and Rhetoric 42 (2): 154-182
Teaching method
Explanation of the theoretical grounds. Discussion in the classroom and reply to doubts. Exercises focused on the class contents solved in the classroom. Individual exercises corrected together in the classroom. Explanation of the mistakes and doubts.
In class teaching.
Evaluation method
1. Written test consisting in two parts: Theoretical questions (open ended); Exercises on the subject matters of the first part of the course (propositional logic; basics of pragmatics; categorical logic; argumentation schemes; emotions; fallacies; explanation; Toulmins structure). (60%)
2. Final exam consisting in a written analysis of a political discourse or a commercial campaign and the analysis of 12 arguments using argumentation schemes. (40%).