The Case of Pragma-Dialectics

Abstract

In the pragma-dialectical approach to argumentation the term argumentation is used to refer to a process (“I am still in the middle of my argumentation”) as well as to its result (“Lets examine what her argumentation amounts to”). Characteristically, argumentation is then studied from a communicative perspective. This communication, which can be oral or written, will generally take place by verbal means, but non-verbal elements (such as gestures and images) may also play a part. In pragma-dialectics, argumentation is viewed as aimed at resolving a difference of opinion by critically testing the acceptability of the standpoints at issue. Thus perceived, the study of argumentation does not only have a descriptive dimension that pertains to the way in which argumentation is conducted in communicative practice but also a normative dimension pertaining to the norms of reasonableness that are employed when argumentation is judged for its quality and possible flaws are detected.