WEEK 8: Toulmin's Method of Argumentation

The Toulmin Method is an articulate method of argumentation and the critical analysis of rebuttals, Philosopher Stephen Toulmin's argumentation model allows for rhetorical analysis of online information discussion and messages and breaks down core components of the argument itself to clearly identify and define the elements of the messages you are reflecting. 

The Elements of Stephen Toulmin's Argument Model 

Claim: The main point or assertion being made in the argument, what you are trying to prove or reflect. Through online platforms, claims can be made on diverse topics, and many people can state and prove claims through online discussions. Often, social media claims can start threads of input from many participating individuals. 

Data: The evidence or information that you have gathered to support your claim you have stated. In online discussions, having data or support to enhance your claim is essential because on social media there are often many other individuals who are refuting your claim you are stating, and having data and evidence provided to solidify your claim is important. You can also provide links and sources to clarify and detail your evidence. 

Warrant: This is the connecting bridge (As I learned in my rhetoric class) that connects the data and evidence you have found to your claim and here is where you further explain and identify the details. Through online platforms, your warrant is usually logically based and the reasoning is interconnected to the main claim. 

Backing: Your backing is the ADDITIONAL evidence or support that you have gathered to further emphasize your warrant in connection to your claim. It is always better to have too much than too little when stating a claim and by having your backing, it supports your main points and your aspects of credibility. Here especially is when you would provide peer-reviewed articles readings and sources from digital platforms that you can provide on your own digital platform, therefore it gives the opportunity for individuals and readers to further investigate your claim and back on their own terms, from the guided sources you have provided. It shows that you have done your research and can provide credible materials and resources to support the elements of your claim. 

Qualifier: Your qualifier can be a statement that acknowledges the truth and validity of the claim you are making. Arguments can be detailed and complex in theory and by understanding the limits to your claim and the personal statement you are aware of the conditions of your claim. This can be seen online through notes that provided self-awareness that the claim may seem one way but can also be seen as theoretically true. 

Rebuttal: The Rebuttal of an argument is the counterargument and objections to the stated claim, you acknowledge them and address them. On online platforms, rebuttals can be seen as you personally addressing the potential counterarguments and opposing viewpoints, and the acknowledgment of the contrasting arguments can help the validity and ethos of your claim. 

An example of when online arguments can benefit from the implementation of the Toulim Method is on academic research platforms where an individual is arguing a claim or stance on a certain topic but is opening up the topic, theory, or concept for discussion. Suppose you feel some way about the claim whether you agree or disagree. In that case, you can use the Toulmin Method to strengthen your position and rebuttal against the opposing or similar viewpoints and provide logical reasoning to further detail your viewpoint. This can be on academic shared digital pages, Reddit pages, or any platform where there can be opportunities for opposing and similar discussion and argumentation. 

I can agree that there can be potential limitations and obstacles when applying the Toulmin Method online. To combat these limitations, individuals can engage and perform critical thinking and advanced online communication literacy in order to further analyze the arguments being presented, seeking evidence and support to help back your claim and argument is essential in crafting Toulmin's method and by using critical thinking and literacy competence can benefit you when you are faced with these challenges, in order to create and participate in influential thinking, learning, and online discussion. 

Here is an article that details the characterizing elements of Toulmin's model of argumentation. 

https://www.thoughtco.com/toulmin-model-argument-1692474