Argumentative Discourse: Types, Structures, and Linguistic Aspects

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 in Philosophy and ethics

Argumentative Discourse

Argumentative discourse aims to defend an opinion and persuade a receiver through evidence and reasoning. It is commonly used to explore themes with differing viewpoints. There are two main types of argument:

Types of Arguments

  1. Arguments based on facts: Facts serve as the conclusion, demonstrating that an event occurs or has occurred.
  2. Arguments based on opinion: These arguments rely on personal convictions, collective beliefs, prejudices, and values.

Pragmatic Aspects

  • Communicative intent: There are two communicative functions: referential (transmitting information, e.g., “Snuff is harmful”) and conative/appealing (persuading the receiver, e.g., convincing someone to stop using snuff).
  • Sender: The sender’s attitude is subjective as they present a personal opinion. However, to persuade the receiver, they strive for objectivity. The sender can be an individual or a group.
  • Receiver: The receiver can be individual or collective. Even when addressing a specific person, the intended audience is often broader.
  • Situation: Argumentation can occur in various contexts, from family life to industrial relations. Two general situations are:
    1. Bilateral texts: Directed at a person present during communication (e.g., debates). These are often open and subject to constant change.
    2. Unilateral texts: Directed at a recipient who cannot immediately respond (e.g., newspaper editorials). These are carefully planned to anticipate and refute counter-arguments.

Structural Aspects

  • Thesis: The fundamental idea being argued. It may appear at the beginning, end, or be implicit. It can be simple or complex.
  • Body of argumentation: Contains the reasons or ideas used to support the thesis. These include supporting arguments, opposing viewpoints, refutations, and counter-arguments. Two basic structures exist:
    1. Deductive procedure: Starts with a general idea and reaches a specific conclusion.
    2. Inductive procedure: Starts with facts and reaches a general idea.

Parts of an Argumentative Text

  1. Introduction: Frames the issue, captures attention, and establishes common ground.
  2. Exposition: Informs the recipient of relevant facts related to the thesis.
  3. Reasoning: Presents evidence and arguments to support the thesis. Argumentation can be chained (ideas flow logically) or additive (arguments accumulate).
  4. Conclusion: Summarizes the argument, presents it as confirmed, and provides closure.
Linguistic Aspects

These elements enhance persuasion. Key aspects include consistency, clarity, and affective influence. Important linguistic features are:

  • Technical vocabulary (denotative)
  • Declarative sentences (in specialized texts), exclamatory, interrogative, or hesitant sentences (to emphasize the author’s attitude)
  • Complex syntax with prevalent subordination
  • Explanatory paragraphs
Types of Arguments (Persuasive)

Persuasive arguments must be relevant, valid, and forceful.

  • According to argumentative function:
    • Bilateral arguments: Supporting arguments and counter-arguments.
    • Unilateral arguments: Address opposing views and objections.
  • According to purpose:
    • Persuasion: Uses emotional arguments (e.g., comparison, cause-and-effect).
    • Demonstration: Uses rational arguments based on facts (e.g., syllogism, example, analogy).