The Toulmin method
Oftentimes, when keyboard warriors are duking it out over online forums or social media platforms, they make emotional arguments rather than clear claims with fact-based evidence. However, the Toulmin Method is a good solution to this problem. The Toulmin Model provides structure to any persuasive argument by breaking down an argument into components: claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal. A claim can be based on fact, value, or policy - it is what you are trying to persuade the reader to be true. Grounds or evidence provide data or reasons why the reader should believe the claim. A warrant connects the grounds to the claim, either implicitly or explicitly stated. Backing is any additional support for the reliability of the warrant, especially if the warrant is implied. A qualifier shows how much the arguer believes their own claim or that their claim may not be true in all instances. The rebuttal is used in anticipation of counterarguments and to show the reader that the arguer has considered other positions.
If someone attempts to make an argument online on social media, for example, without using grounds, warrant, backing, and a qualifier to persuade the reader that their claim is true, then their argument will be short-lived. With all the information in the world at our fingertips, it is extremely easy and essential to back up any claim made. Below is a simple example of the Toulmin Model of Argumentation. The creator of this diagram also thoroughly explains their example here and in the link below.
Image credit: “Toulmin Argument,” Kalyca Schultz, Virginia Western Community College, CC-BY-SA
There are many instances where the Toulmin Model could strengthen a person's position or challenge opposing viewpoints in online arguments. I come across these arguments quite often when reading comments on posts on Instagram, especially when the post is about an important social issue. One person always comments about the social issue and how big of a problem it is or how it isn't a problem at all and the original poster is making false claims. Almost 100% of the time these people will make these claims and that's it. There is no grounds, evidence, or backing to the claim. If the commenters wish to refute what the original poster is saying, utilizing the Toulmin Method would definitely help them get their message across to more people. I will look at replies to these comments that make claims without evidence and notice that at least ten people have replied with a claim and most of the aspects of the Toulmin Model. As previously mentioned, many keyboard warriors like to post comments out of emotion rather than critical thinking. They like to "troll" these posts and get a rise out of others.
A big challenge to utilizing the Toulmin Method online is how long and extensive it may be, especially on social media platforms. Most people want short, clear, and concise posts and will not read a novel for a post to decide whether they agree or disagree with that person's claim - it's simply too much information or too much to read. To navigate these challenges and engage in more thoughtful and constructive online conversations, we must think, read, and re-read what we are about to post online and determine whether our thoughts are an emotional response or a critically thought-out response.
According to the textbook, we can use the Toulmin Model to also analyze and critically think about other people's arguments. When evaluating a claim we should identify whether we understand the claim and put it in our own words. When looking for qualifiers we should ask "Is the claim absolute or is it qualified by some word or phrase?" When analyzing the evidence, we should look for the reasons given to justify the claim, "Why is the author claiming what they claim?" When we consider the warrants, "what unstated beliefs or principles connect each reason to the claim?" And finally, we should look for and examine any rebuttals.
Image credit: Adaptation of Toulmin’s Model of Argumentation for Establishing Rigour and Relevance in Design Research by Pramod KhambeteThis last depiction of the Toulmin Model of Argumentation shows how each component may be used in an argument rather than providing an example argument. The Toulmin Method can be a bit confusing at times so I thought it would be prudent to share the above figure.
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