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Publication Details

The Notion of Argumentation and Its Definition

(Original title: Pojem argumentácie a jeho definícia)
Filozofia, 75 (2020), 8, 615 – 627.
Type of work: Articles
Publication language: Slovak
Abstract

According to a rather widespread view, the substantive aim of argumentation consists in resolving differences of opinion between disputing parties. This is the core of the pragma-dialectical definition of argumentation. It is argued that the definition is too narrow, if applied outside the scope of the Pragma-Dialectical Theory. It is not the case that every instance of argumentation has to be aimed at resolving an explicit or implicit difference of opinion. This claim is based on situations in which it does not make good sense to construe the instances of argumentation as having the above aim. An alternative definition of argumentation, which is broader in scope, is suggested. Accordingly, argumentation is aimed at giving reasons for a standpoint in order to reach the communicative objectives that are relevant in a given situation.

Keywords

Aims of argumentation, Argumentation, Pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation, Resolving a difference of opinion

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