CLGE 6545: Structural, Philosophical and Psychological Examinations of Argument

Argumentation is a process of reasoning with a specific purpose, which can be to persuade others, to come to a decision, to justify an action, or to understand a complex issue. The course CLGE 6545 aims to explore the structural, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of argumentation. In this article, we will examine the key concepts and themes of the course and analyze how they can be applied to various aspects of everyday life.

Introduction to CLGE 6545

The course CLGE 6545 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of argumentation. It covers a range of topics, including the nature of argumentation, its purposes and goals, the elements of argumentation, and the different types of arguments. Students are also introduced to the different theories and models of argumentation, such as Toulmin’s model, Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca’s new rhetoric, and pragma-dialectics.

The Nature of Argumentation

The first topic of the course deals with the nature of argumentation. Students learn that argumentation is a communicative activity that involves the exchange of reasons and evidence to support a claim or position. Arguments are not just about opinions or preferences, but they are grounded in evidence and reasoning. In this way, argumentation is a critical thinking process that helps us to evaluate and justify our beliefs and actions.

The Elements of Argumentation

The course also covers the different elements of argumentation, which include the claim, evidence, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal. Each element plays a crucial role in constructing a sound argument, and students learn how to identify and analyze these elements in different types of arguments.

The Types of Arguments

The course also examines the different types of arguments, such as deductive, inductive, and abductive arguments. Students learn how to recognize and evaluate each type of argument and how to use them effectively in their own reasoning and communication.

Theories and Models of Argumentation

The course also introduces students to the different theories and models of argumentation, such as Toulmin’s model, Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca’s new rhetoric, and pragma-dialectics. Students learn how these theories and models can be used to analyze and evaluate arguments and how they can be applied to real-life situations.

Philosophical and Psychological Examinations of Argument

In addition to the structural aspects of argumentation, the course also explores the philosophical and psychological dimensions of argumentation.

Philosophical Examinations

The philosophical dimension of argumentation deals with the questions of what counts as a good argument, what criteria we use to evaluate arguments, and what makes an argument persuasive. The course examines different philosophical approaches to argumentation, such as formal logic, informal logic, and critical thinking.

Psychological Examinations

The psychological dimension of argumentation deals with the cognitive and emotional processes involved in argumentation. Students learn how different cognitive biases and heuristics can affect our reasoning and how emotions can influence our beliefs and attitudes. The course also covers topics such as persuasion, rhetoric, and argumentation ethics.

Applications of Argumentation

Finally, the course explores how the concepts and themes of argumentation can be applied to various aspects of everyday life.

Argumentation in Public Discourse

Students learn how argumentation is used in public discourse, such as politics, media, and advertising. They also learn how to critically evaluate the arguments presented in these contexts and how to construct their own arguments effectively.

Argumentation in Personal Relationships

The course also covers how argumentation can be used in personal relationships, such as friendships, romantic relationships, and family relationships. Students learn how to communicate effectively, to resolve conflicts and disagreements in these relationships, and how to use argumentation to build stronger and more meaningful connections.

Argumentation in Professional Settings

The course also examines how argumentation is used in professional settings, such as business, law, and academia. Students learn how to construct persuasive arguments for different audiences and how to navigate complex ethical and social issues in these contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the course CLGE 6545 offers a comprehensive exploration of the structural, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of argumentation. By studying this course, students can gain a deep understanding of how argumentation works, how to construct sound arguments, and how to apply these skills in various aspects of everyday life.

FAQs

1. What is argumentation, and why is it important?
2. What are the different types of arguments, and how do they differ?
3. How can argumentation be used in personal relationships?
4. What is the significance of the philosophical dimension of argumentation?
5. How can argumentation be used in professional settings?