Argumentation Theory: The Language of Persuasion
Argumentation theory, also known as argumentation, is the interdisciplinary study of how conclusions are reached through logical reasoning and how premises support conclusions. It involves analyzing, evaluating, and constructing arguments, drawing from fields such as philosophy, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, psychology, and computer science. The primary focus of argumentation theory is on the structure, components, and rules of arguments, aiming to distinguish good arguments from bad ones. Key components of argumentation include claims, which are statements or propositions asserted to be true, and premises, which are reasons or evidence presented in support of a claim. The conclusion is the statement that the premises support or imply, derived through the process of inference. The theory evaluates arguments based on validity, which assesses the logical structure, and soundness, which considers the truth of the premises.