Reflections on Minimal Adversariality

Abstract

Beginning with my 1999,account in The Philosophy of Argument,,this essay explores views about,adversariality in argument. Although,my distinction between minimal and,ancillary adversariality is widely accepted,,there are flaws in my defense,of the claim that all arguments exhibit,minimal adversariality and in a lack of,sensitivity to aspects of gender and,culture. Further discussions of minimal,adversariality, including those of,Scott Aikin, John Casey, Katharina,Stevens and Daniel Cohen, are discussed.,The claim that all argument are,adversarial in at least a minimal sense,is defended due to its connection with,arguers’ intent to support their conclusions