Reflections on Theoretical Issues in Argumentation Theory

This volume presents a selection of papers reflecting key theoretical issues in argumentation theory. Its six sections are devoted to specific themes, including the analysis and evaluation of argumentation, argument schemes and the contextual embedding of argumentation. The section on general perspectives on argumentation discusses the trends of empiricalization, contextualization and formalization, offers descriptions of the analytical and evaluative tools of informal logic, and highlights selected principles that argumentation theorists do and do not agree upon. In turn, the section on linguistic approaches to argumentation focuses on the problem of distinguishing between explanation and argument, while also elaborating on the role of verbal indicators of argument schemes. All essays included in this volume point out notable recent developments in the study of argumentation.

Bingo! Promising developments in argumentation theory.- What is informal logic?.- Towards a foundation for argumentation theory.- The agentive approach to argumentation: A proposal.- Conductive argumentation, degrees of confidence, and the communication of uncertainty.- The linked-convergent distinction.- Identifying the warrant of an argument.- Where is visual argument?.- Missed opportunities in argument evaluation.- Ubiquity, ambiguity and meta-rationality: Searching for the fallacy of composition.- Don’t feed the trolls: Straw men and iron men.- Story credibility in narrative arguments.