Building a continuous pilgrimage in the light of Stephen Tulmin

Abstract

This study explores Stephen Toulmin's model as one of the most fundamental frameworks of informal logic for analyzing practical arguments. The theory focuses on six core pillars (Claim, Data, Warrant, Backing, Qualifier, and Rebuttal) which together form a robust logical structure for any discourse. Conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, the research primarily aims to introduce the mechanisms of this model and how to implement them to transform simple statements into persuasive arguments. The findings indicate that Toulmin's model is more realistic than classical logic due to its consideration of the "argument field" and "degree of certainty." Furthermore, it emphasizes that the use of qualifiers and rebuttals provides significant strength to the discourse and protects it from faulty generalizations. Finally, this model is presented as a vital analytical tool for evaluating arguments in the fields of politics, law, and everyday conversation.

The importance of this study is that it presents a new model for discourse analysis that is more realistic than classical logic, and as a scientific tool that helps researchers distinguish solid arguments from unfounded claims. This work provides a context for understanding how language works in the realm of persuasion.

The main goal of this work is to identify in detail the mechanisms that make an argument sound and convincing. The paper attempts to provide a scientific definition of its components (advocacy, data, guarantees, support, limitations and countermeasures) and show how these different pillars combine to justify any intellectual and scientific opinion.

This paper consists of two main parts:

Part 1: (Characteristics and Background of Theory): Highlights the history of the theory and Tolmin's distinction between argument and analysis, with an explanation of the concept of the field of argument.

Section 2: (Principles of Argumentation): Devoted to analyzing the six main genres of the Tolmin model (claims, data, guarantees, support, constraints, countermeasures)The paper ends with a presentation of the conclusions and a list of sources