Understanding Argumentation: Types, Genres, and Structure

Posted on Feb 8, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics

The Procedures and Language of Argument

There are several types of arguments:

  • Logical Argument: A rational procedure based on cause-and-effect relationships. Logical relationships are expressed through markers and specific concepts indicating causes, consequences, purpose, or hypothesis.
  • Analogical Argument (Contrast): Establishes a relationship between the idea being presented and a different, but similar, reality. Analogies are expressed through similes and metaphors.
  • Examples: Concrete cases presented as proof of the thesis’ validity. Examples are introduced through exemplification markers.
  • Citations: Introduces the ideas and views of other authors. Citations can be reproduced literally or paraphrased.

Personal Involvement

  • Non-involvement of the Issuer: Presents an objective viewpoint.
  • Emotional Involvement: Demonstrates the subjectivity of the issuer. This is expressed through evaluative and connotative language, and concepts using the first-person singular.
  • Appeal to the Receiver: An effective procedure to move and persuade the recipient.

Argumentative Genres

In everyday life, argumentation is present in various forms of oral communication (conversations, debates, rallies), written text, and even in audiovisual media (advertisements). Written argumentative genres are classified mainly into three groups:

  • Administrative Texts: Used for various objectives. For instance, requesting a service from the Administration, making a complaint, or calling for a repair from an organization or company.
  • Journalistic Texts: Used to disseminate opinions on current events. Newspaper opinion articles and letters to the editor present the viewpoints of readers.
  • Literary Texts: The essay is a literary text of an argumentative character; that is, the author addresses a topic in a reflective, non-specialized manner.

The Argument: Structure and Elements

An argument is a mode of discourse that aims to defend an idea by providing reasons, arranged to persuade the recipient of its validity. Argumentative texts typically have four parts:

  1. Introduction: Presents the topic and seeks to capture the recipient’s attention.
  2. Exposition: Explains the key information and presents the thesis.
  3. Argumentation: Presents the arguments that support the thesis.
  4. Conclusion: Closes the text with a summary of the most important aspects of the argument.

Classifying Arguments

Arguments can be classified by three criteria: function, content, and purpose.

  • Function: Arguments can be distinguished as supporting arguments and counterarguments.
    • Supporting arguments are used to bolster one’s opinion.
    • Counterarguments are used to reject all or part of opposing opinions.
  • Content: Arguments are based on “tags”, that is, cultural or social values accepted by the speakers. Other arguments are based on tags such as the aesthetic quality of the argument, or the argument of progress.
  • Purpose: A distinction is made between rational and emotional arguments.
    • Rational Argument: The issuer demonstrates their thesis by analyzing and evaluating the facts.
    • Emotional Argument: The transmitter uses the receiver’s feelings to persuade them.