Relevance of Context-bound loci to Topical Potential in the Argumentation Stage

Author: Rigotti, Eddo

Source: Argumentation, Volume 20, Number 4, December 2006 , pp. 519-540(22)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

In relation to the task of making an expedient selection from the available loci within the topical potential that strategic manoeuvring envisages for the argumentation stage, this paper proposes a version of topics, which is both inspired to the traditional doctrine of topics and consistent with the theoretical framing and the methodological tenets that are proper of modern semantics and current theory of argumentation. The argumentative relevance of communication context in its institutionalised and interpersonal components is brought to light. Three main aspects are focussed on: the strong synergy of the topical and the endoxical components in argument construction, the use of topics in analysis and evaluation of arguments and the heuristic function of topics in the production process.

Keywords: activity type; analysis; context; evaluation; heuristic function; production; strategic manoeuvring; taxonomy of loci; topics

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10503-007-9034-2

Affiliations: 1: Email: rigottie@lu.unisi.ch

Publication date: 2006-12-01