The Uses of Argument

THE USES OF ARGUMENT

In The Uses of Argument (1958), Stephen Toulmin set forth a framework for analyzing arguments.

This framework may be outlined (David Wright, Furman University English Department) as follows:

Claim: Assertion one wishes to prove

Evidence: Support or rationale for the claim

Warrant: Underlying connection between the claim and evidence, or why the evidence supports the claim

Backing: Tells audience why the warrant is a rational one. In scholarly essays, the warrant and backing would be the areas most supported by factual evidence to support the legitimacy of their assertion. In causal arguments, the warrant and backing are often taken for granted.

Counterargument/Rebuttal: Addresses potential objections to the claim

Qualifier: Additions to the claim that add nuance and specificity to its assumption, helping to counter rebuttals

See: http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/toulmin.html

To be continued