Toulmin Method of Argumentation

The below videos explain the Toulmin Method of Argumentation, which is an extremely useful framework for developing arguments. While you might not always be required to follow ALL of these steps when creating arguments in your debates or in your essays, it is a very good idea to TRY to incorporate all of them into your arguments. NOTE: In class, we often use the term “justification” where Toulmin uses “warrant”, but they mean basically the same thing.

Aristotelian Modes of Persuasion

As we have studied in class, Aristotle presented three modes, or approaches, to persuading or convincing someone of your argument. While logic is the foundation of your argument, ethos and pathos help you to present your argument in a way that is more palatable to other people, who, let’s face it, are not always the most purely logical creatures.