ABSTRACT

This book works through some of the theoretical issues that have been accumulating in informal logic over the past 20 years. At the same time, it defines a core position in the theory of argument in which those issues can be further explored. The underlying concern that motivates this work is the health of practice of argumentation as an important cultural artifact. A further concern is for logic as a discipline. Argumentative and dialectical in nature, this book presupposes some awareness of the theory of argument in recent history, and some familiarity with the positions that have been advanced. It will be of interest to academics, researchers, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the disciplines of logic, rhetoric, linguistics, speech communication, English composition, and psychology.

chapter |6 pages

Introduction

part I|83 pages

The Historical Context

chapter 2|24 pages

Context: The Study of Argumentation

chapter 4|15 pages

Lessons From the Past

part II|118 pages

A Pragmatic Theory of Argument

part III|99 pages

Matters Dialectical

chapter 9|32 pages

Criticisms, Objections, and Replies

chapter 10|29 pages

Alternative Theories of Argument

chapter 11|23 pages

Outstanding Issues and the Research Agenda

chapter 12|13 pages

Retrospect and Prospect