The Three Approaches to Arguments

The Three Approaches to Arguments

1. The Classical Approach

   • There are six key parts to this approach
     • Introduction
       • Get peoples attention
       • You want people to at least consider your ideas
     • State Your Case
       • Clarify your issue
       • People will want any necessary background information
       • Define important Terms and Conditions here
     • Proposition
       • State your central thesis
       • Present Subtopics and Supportive Points
     • Refutation
       • Analyze your opponents arguments and summerize
       • Refute or Address their points
       • Point out Faulty and Inappropriate Reasoning and Appeals
     • Substantiation and Proof
       • This will be when you develop your case
       • Use Ethos, Pathos, and Logos to make Appeals toward your case
       • Use good evidence
     • Conclusion
       • This is your Summery
       • Make appeals to feelings and values (Pathos)
       • Relay your most important points
   • Aristotle

2. The Toulmin Approach

   • Stephen Toulmin
     • There are five parts to this approach
       • Claim
         • Your statement
       • Grounds
         • The basis of real persuasion
       • Warrants
         • Links data and other grounds to a claim
       • Backing
         • Gives additional support to the warrent
       • Qualifier
         • Indicates the strength from the data to the warrent

3. The Rogerian Approach

   • Carl Rogers
   • Five parts
     • Introduction
       • Briefly defines issue or problem
     • A neutral statement of the oppositions beliefs
       • Demonstrates the writer clearly understands the opponents point of view
     • A neutral statement and explanation of your beliefs
       • Demonstrates your position
     • Analysis
       • Demonstrates what the two positions have in common
     • Proposal
       • A statement that resolves the issue

4. The Three Appeals to Persuasion

   • Ethos
     • An appeal to the authority
   • Pathos
     • An appeal to emotions
   • Logos
     • A logical appeal or strategy