Argument Structure (Classical, Rogerian, Toulmin)

The Rogerian argument method is a conflict-solving technique based on finding common ground instead of polarizing debate

Rogerian Structure

It's best to use a Rogerian argument in psychological and emotional arguments, where pathos and ethos rather than logos predominate.

A fun video on the differences between the two:

A Rogerian Argument in Support of Grover

Video Definition of Toulmin

Aristotelian (Classical)

Structure

You can use the Toulmin Model to:

• analyze other writer's claims.
• plan your own claims.

When it works best:

• One of the oldest organizing devices in rhetoric is the classical argument, which incorporates the five parts of a discourse that ancient teachers of rhetoric believed were necessary for persuasion, especially when the audience included a mixture of reactions from favorable to hostile. They often prescribed this order to students, not because it was absolutely ideal, but because using the scheme encouraged the writer to take account of some of the most important elements of composing. (source: Winthrop University)

Typically, this works best when an argument is based mostly on logic.

A Toulmin Argument in Support of Grover

In his 1958 book, The Uses of Argument, British philosopher Stephen Toulmin presented a method for analyzing argument based on what he calls a jurisprudential model.

Is rhetoric the use of language to mislead or manipulate, as

popular use would have it, or is it “the use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation,” as Kenneth Burke says? And is argument a conflict in language, a contest between opposing verbal forces, a discussion involving disagreement, a contentious or

disputatious quarrel, or is it rather a process of reasoned inquiry, of rational discourse seeking mutual ground?

"Students need to engage the audience, encouraging the reader to consider the positions they present as reasonable and perhaps valuable, in a voice felt as reasoned, trustworthy, and honorable, using the classic appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos. Especially important for our students to recognize is that the reasonable voice is usually a qualified one. We would probably agree that nearly all effective arguments are qualified ones. Students need not only to anticipate objections to their positions but also to recognize and respect complexity itself. A reasonable voice sees not two sides to an issue but multiple perspectives, and that voice presents an argument as the conclusion of a logical process. Students quickly discover the features of an immature argument and come to appreciate

the dissuasive effect of extreme or one-sided positions and highly dyslogistic language. That “senior year is a complete waste of time” or that “Sontag’s position is stupid” is not likely to be effective with the reader. Students need to discover their own extreme positions and to question the validity of their own warrants."

A Sample Classical Argument dealing with our Sesame Street Problem:

Grover is the most important character on the long-running children's show Sesame Street. The show was founded over forty years ago, and Grover's character has remained the most central throughout the years.

In study after study, children report that Grover is their favorite character. As a favorite, the children are more likely to pay close attention to both his words and actions. According to a study by the MFA department at the University of Alabama, children often emulate the behaviors of those they look up to or like. When Grover models positive behavior, which he does constantly through healthy eating, physical activities like dancing (exercise!), friendships with other characters, and his confident, yet silly personality, children are likely to internalize and copy Grover's actions.

Many people still feel that Cookie Monster is a more important overall character because of his counting lessons and overall humor. While these are great traits for a children's television character to have, nutritionists argue that his cookie eating does not help model positive eating habits for our youth. In addition, though counting is one of the fundamental lessons that Sesame Street wishes to teach its viewers, Cookie Monster often gets his numbers wrong while trying to be silly. Grover, on the other hand, is able to model correct counting and even talks about prepositions.

Clearly, the matter of a favorite character is up to the personal preference of the viewer, but if we are to hold Sesame Street to the high standards it seeks, we must conclude that a well-rounded character who models positive behavior on all fronts is the most significant character on the show.

From the College Board: Because this model can help bring to students a clear understanding of rhetoric and argument, we should consider its use in the classroom, since those are crucial subjects in the AP English Language and Composition course.

Toulmin Structure

More resources on each type of argument structure:

Three Types of Argument: Classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin

Mrs. Nuku, AP Language and Composition

A complete outline on the Classical Structure: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/archives/WRIT102/classicalargument.htm

Purdue's Online Writing Lab's Toulmin Analysis: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/03/

A contrast / delineation of the three types: http://home.comcast.net/~lukeythetruck/djole/SchoolPage/SPSCC/English%20102/3ArgumentTypes.htm

Georgia State University on the three types: http://www.rhetcomp.gsu.edu/~bgu/1101/models.html

The Problem...

For simplicity's sake, let's look at each of the argument structures according to a common question or problem: determining the best

character on Sesame Street.

While there are many different types of argument, we're going to focus on three particular types:

• Classical
• Rogerian
• Toulmin

Each type is more applicable to or suitable for a different situation and audience.