Geffmurimi 3
A Toulmin Analysis of Arguments
The Three Primary Elements of an Argument
Claim (assertion, proposition)
A statement affirming or denying something
the answer to the question "What are you trying to prove?" "What's your point?" - Can be denied (in this context)
Grounds (Support, evidence)
material which will convince audience/opponent
not likely to be disputed (in this context) OR can be further supported.
usually more concrete, often narrower (or a general truth).
an answer to the question, "How so?" "Why do you think so?" "Prove it!"
It is appropriate for the claim because it is relevant and strong.
Warrant: what links support/gr. to cl. Why the gr. is allowed to stand as proof for the claim
A principle of logic or reasoning
a recipe or license
often a formal rule
generally unstated, an assumption that both rhetor and audience implicitly accept
the key is that a warrant can apply to many claims and grounds. It's not specific to just this situation.
EXAMPLE:
Claim: Joe Smith is a good choice for the position of Appellate Court Judge
Grounds: The American Bar Association recommended Smith as well qualified.
Warrant: (usually unspoken) The ABA is an authority source known as competent to determine who is a good choice for appellate judge positions.