A Systematic Theory of Argumentation: The pragma-dialectical approach by Frans H. van Eemeren (PDF)

Description

In this book two of the leading figures in argumentation theory present a view of argumentation as a means of resolving differences of opinion by testing the acceptability of the disputed positions. Their model of a ‘critical discussion’ serves as a theoretical tool for analysing, evaluating and producing argumentative discourse. They develop a method for the reconstruction of argumentative discourse that takes into account all aspects that are relevant to a critical assessment. They also propose a practical code of behaviour for discussants who want to resolve their differences in a reasonable way. This is a major contribution to the study of argumentation and will be of particular value to professionals and graduate students in speech communication, informal logic, rhetoric, critical thinking, linguistics, and philosophy.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Van Eemeren and Grootendorst’s standpoint theory of argumentation offers an interesting and discussable set of implied rules for conducting formal and informal debates. The term “pragma-dialectic approach” is an apt Latin description of their utilitarian commitments to reason based discussions. In their view the pragmatic goal of debates is to bring argumentation to light in order to establish an agreed upon set of conclusions. Chapters 6 and 8 list 15 “rules” and 10 “commandments” respectively that serve as guidelines. The scenario hoped for is that the participants themselves will agree apriori to such rules. If they do not then there may be no point in having the discussion. As an interesting aside they mention that their rules might not completely apply to politcial debates where the goal is winning as opposed to resolving. A more in depth discussion of such differences would be a worthwhile topic for another book.Protagonist and antagonists begin with explicit and unexpressed positions called standpoints. Both sides are permitted to challenge each other’s standpoints, though once a point has been resolved each is obliged to move on, otherwise one is faced with potentially endless repetition. Logical fallacies are decisively false however informal fallacies may be acceptable depending on circumstance.The authors were recommended by Douglas Walton in another book that I recently finished. The writing style is at times long winded making it difficult to follow, but the content is rich so it is worthwhile to reflect on and reread the material. Walton’s summary and follow up material is clearer than the original. Shorter sentences and better editing would have broadened the appeal to more readers. Nevertheless it’s a reasonable contribution to the study of rhetoric and should appeal not only to theorists but also to professional negotiators, mediators, judges, teachers and lawyers.

⭐I think this is an great piece of work, and should be taken by someone and rewritten to be used to teach primary school kids how to communicate effectively. In fact, Douglas Walton does a great job of explaining these concepts in his book “Fundamentals of Critical Argumentation”, which I recommend over this one. These concepts are being adapted by computer programmers to develop algorithms for computers to imitate dialog. The authors took concepts that I consider to be common sense, documented them and created an “ideal” procedure for carrying out discussions. This book is important because I think it has the potential to improve the quality of life for everyone because it teaches a procedure for communication that if learned early and used could dramatically reduce misunderstandings and effectively expose fallacies in reasoning. BRAVO!beware though, it is DRY.

⭐I’ve written my master thesis using this book as my main reference.A classic for anyone who wants to have a positive and refreshing understand of theory of argumentation.

⭐

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