Argumentation and Critical Decision Making

Preface.

 

I. PRINCIPLES.

 

 1. Defining Argumentation.

Elements of Argumentation

Elements of Critical Decision Making

Conclusion

Project

 

 2. Appraising Argumentation.

Argumentation and Being Reasonable

The Bases of Reason in Argumentation

Spheres

Conclusion

Project

 

 3. Making Sense in Argumentation.

Traditional Criteria

Nontraditional Criteria

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Conclusion

Project

 

 4. Analysis in Argumentation.

Critical Analysis to Find a Proposition

Critical Analysis of a Proposition

Analysis of Claims

Conclusion

Project

 

 5. Case Building.

Preliminary Steps in Case Building

Briefing Arguments

Developing a Convincing Vision

Communication to Specific Decision Makers

Conclusion

Project

 

II. TOOLS.

 

 6. The Nature of Arguments.

The Model of an Argument

Types of Arguments

Definitions as Argument

The Analysis of Arguments

Conclusion

Project

 

 7. Support: Evidence.

Forms of Evidence

General Principles for the Use of Evidence

Sphere Dependence of Evidence

Conclusion

Project

 

 8. Support: Values.

Characteristics of Values

Values Appear in Systems

General Principles for the Use of Values

Sphere Dependence of Values

Conclusion

Project

 

 9. Support: Credibility.

Characteristics of Credibility

Forms of Credibility

General Principles for the Use of Credibility

Sphere Dependence of Credibility

Conclusion

Project

 

10. Refutation.

The Process of Refutation

Approaching Refutation

Setting a Framework for Refutation

Selecting a Posture for Refutation

Communicating Refutation

Conclusion

Project

 

11. Refutation By Fallacy Claim.

Views of Fallacy

Social Guides to Fallacy Claims

Using Fallacy Claims in Refutation

Conclusion

Project

 

III. APPLICATIONS.

 

12. Argumentation in Law.

Narrative in Legal Argumentation

Arguments on the Law

Conclusion

Project

 

13. Argumentation in Science.

The Tradition of Argumentation in Science

Scientific Use of Argument Types

Scientific Use of Evidence

Scientific Method as Argument

Conclusion

Project

 

14. Argumentation in Religion.

Major Questions in Religious Argumentation

Evidence in Religious Argumentation

Preferred Argument Forms

Conclusion

Project

 

15. Argumentation in Business.

Starting Points for Business Argumentation

Forms of Support in Business Argumentation

Conclusion

Project

 

16. Argumentation in Government and Politics.

The Nature of Political Argumentation

Refutation in Government and Politics

Refutation in Legislative Action

Argumentation in Political Campaigns

The Special Role of Debates

Refutation in the Political Campaign

Conclusion

Project

References

Name Index

Subject Index