The Pursuit of Probable Truth: A Primer on Argument
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2020
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2020
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The Pursuit of Probable Truth: A Primer on Argument is a concise, practical guide for learning to argue effectively. Designed as a primer for students in a beginning argumentation course, it rests on the assumption that skill in argument is best developed through practice. The book brief to provide the basics necessary to get started arguing well.
- The basic nature and purposes of argument
- The key ideas that guide successful argument
- The primary contexts in which argument occurs and the formats for arguing in those contexts
- How to construct rationally sound cases to support claims
- How to present arguments orally
- How to attack and defend arguments in debates
Foreword
Chapter 1 Argument: What Is It? When Is It Effective? Why Is It Important?
Chapter 2 Roots: The Sources of Argumentation Theory
Chapter 3 How Argument Works: Toulmin’s Descriptive Model
Chapter 4 How Argument Should Work: Classical Concepts and Terms
Chapter 5 Supporting Claims of Fact and Value
Chapter 6 Informal Fallacies: Pitfalls in Reasoning about Fact and Value Claims
Chapter 7 Making the Case for Policy Proposals
Chapter 8 Framing What We Argue About: The Logic, Emotions, and Context of Arguments
Chapter 9 Presenting Arguments
Chapter 10 Debate: Attacking and Defending Arguments
Afterword
Appendix A Presentation Outline Format
Appendix B Debate Brief Formats
Appendix C Sample Debate Briefs
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Diana Leonard, Ph.D., Director of Public Speaking, joined The Department of Communication at The University of Arizona in Fall, 2000 as an Adjunct Instructor and Director of Public Speaking. Her current course teaching includes small group, argumentation, introduction and advanced public speaking. Dr. Leonard also served as undergraduate advisor and Advising Coordinator for the department’s majors and minors from 2001-2008. Her interests in advising and working with transfer students led to her doctoral research on the influences community college teachers have on their students’ decisions to transfer to a four-year institution. Her textbook (with Dr. Ray Ross), Introduction to the Speech Making Process, 14e (2012), BVT Publishing, is under revision for its 15th edition. She is currently writing a chapter in a forthcoming Australian book on reasons to study public speaking. Dr. Leonard also leads communication-training seminars and consults for private clients and organizations in decision-making processes, communication strategies, and presentation skills.
Michael Dues (Ph.D., Communication and American Studies, Indiana University, 1973) is Lecturer Emeritus at The University of Arizona. Dr. Dues studied and taught organizational communication, conflict management, and argumentation. He is a former head of the Department of Communication, and a past President of the Arizona Communication Association. He is active in applying knowledge of organizational communication to assist non-profit community organizations with strategic planning and team development.