Philosophy
Argumentation Theory
An interdisciplinary framework studying how arguments are constructed, evaluated, and used in discourse. Traces roots from Perelman to modern pragma-dialectics.
Argumentation
The practice and study of constructing, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. In philosophy and rhetoric, argumentation bridges logic, persuasion, and critical discourse, forming the foundation of rational debate and academic inquiry.
Logic
Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
Fundamental approaches to argument structure. Deductive arguments guarantee truth if premises hold; inductive arguments provide probabilistic support.
Rhetoric
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
Aristotle's three modes of persuasion remain central to argumentation. Ethos appeals to credibility, pathos to emotion, and logos to logical structure.
Philosophy
Pragma-Dialectics
Van Eemeren & Grootendorst's theory modeling argumentation as a regulated discourse procedure aimed at resolving difference of opinion rationally.
Logic
Common Logical Fallacies
Systematic errors in reasoning that undermine argument validity. Covers ad hominem, straw man, false dilemma, slippery slope, and circular reasoning.
Communication
Deliberative Democracy & Public Argument
How structured argumentation fuels democratic decision-making. Explores Habermas' ideal speech situation and modern civic discourse frameworks.
Rhetoric
The Toulmin Model of Argument
Stephen Toulmin's practical alternative to formal logic: Claim, Data, Warrant, Backing, Rebuttal, and Qualifier. Widely used in academic writing.
Philosophy
The Socratic Method
A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.