The Uses of Argument - Softcover

Toulmin, Stephen E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521092302 ISBN 13: 9780521092302

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1958

Synopsis

Traditionally, logic has been claimed to be 'the science of rational argument', but the relevance to our everyday disputes of the formal logician's results has remained unclear. The abstract character of traditional logic cuts the subject off from practical considerations; Mr Toulmin enquires why this is so, and shows how an alternative conception can be of more general value. Starting from an examination of the actual procedures in different fields of argument - the practice, as opposed to the theory, of logic - he discloses a richer variety than is allowed for by any available system. He argues that jurisprudence rather than mathematics should be the logician's model in analysing rational procedures, and that logic should be a comparative and not a purely formal study. These suggestions lead to conclusions which many will consider controversial; though they will also be widely recognized as interesting and illuminating. This book extends into general philosophy lines of enquiry already sketched by Mr Toulmin in his earlier books on ethics and the philosophy of science. The ordinary reader will find in it the same clarity and intelligibility; and the professional philosopher will acknowledge the same power to break new ground (and circumvent old difficulties) by posing fresh and stimulating questions.

About this title

Book Description:

"In spite of initial criticisms from logicians and fellow philosophers, The Uses of Argument has been an enduring source of inspiration and discussion to students of argumentation from all kinds of disciplinary background for more than forty years. " Frans van Eemeren, University of Amsterdam

About the Author:

Stephen E. Toulmin is the Henry R. Luce Professor for the Center for Multiethnic and Transnational Studies at the University of Southern California. His works include The Inner Life, the Outer Mind; Cosmopolis: The Hidden Agenda of Modernity; and Beyond Theory.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1958
• ISBN 10: 0521092302
• ISBN 13: 9780521092302
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264