The Duties of Advocacy: Argumentation Under Conditions of Disparity, Asymmetry, and Difference

Abstract

Traditionally, an advocate is “one called to” the aid of another (Tasker, 1926, pp. 139–140). A friend or member of the family, who does not have the standing or resources necessary to speak, may be in need of intervention and representation. A professional analyzes a case and makes a recommendation to a client who must evaluate, respond, and choose. A cause, whose time has come, may demand support or opposition by virtue of interests threatened to self or allies. In all these situations, “one who pleads, intercedes, or speaks for, or in behalf of, another” is an advocate (Advocate, 1991, p. 194). Such arguers “adopt a stance, advance a cause, and attempt to produce the result in behalf of an interest of a person, group or cause” (Cohen, 2004, p. 9).