Argumentation: Inquiry and Advocacy presents a coherent introduction to the fundamental concepts of argumentation
and debate, argumentation theory, and critical thinking. As the title suggests, the student learns how to use argumentation
effectively as a means of discovering what is worthy of belief and for gaining the support of others.
Now comprised of nineteen in-depth chapters, this text offers a broad view of argumentation which allows instructors
flexibility in selecting both theoretical and practical perspectives. The first two sections discuss the field
invariant concepts of critical inquiry, which have traditionally formed the core of argumentation courses. These
chapters feature such concepts as issues, propositions, data, inductive and deductive forms of argument, and fallacies.
The third section examines the application of argumentation in advocacy situations. Students will learn about propositions
of fact/value and policy, the implication of argument fields and the narrative paradigm on the development and
evaluation of argument, and the unique rhetorical challenges involved in communication arguments. The final section
is especially useful to those who teach argumentation in the context of academic debate. The various formats of
academic debate are described and in-depth consideration of affirmative and negative strategies is provided. There
is a much expanded treatment of disadvantages. The discussion of refutation and cross-examination is comprehensive
and useful to both academic debaters and non-debaters.
Focuses on the equal treatment of both the discovery and persuasive aspects of argument.
Emphasizes the field invariant standards of argumentation and informal logic.
Recognizes that reasoned advocacy requires an understanding of the constraints and opportunities which exist in
specific fields, forums, and formats.
Provides a thorough discussion of materials integral to teaching both the theory of argumentation and the practice
of academic debate.
End-of-chapter practicums, chapter outlines, summaries, and humorous conceptual illustrations combine to enhance
learning and stimulate discussion.
Multiple perspectives on argument (traditional, narrative, fields, and academic debate) are provided.
New Chapter 8, �Fallacies,� equips students with the tools to succeed in critical thinking classes.
Chapter 12, �Fields and Forums,� contains a richer discussion of the fields concept. The importance of context
in the evolution and presentation of arguments is explained.
New Chapter 13, �Narrative,� makes students aware of non-linear aspects of argumentation.
Chapter 14, �Communicating Arguments,� has been significantly revised. This chapter now provides a more general
application of the communication dimension, instead of just featuring academic debate.
New �Glossary of Academic Debate Terms� provides a bridge for students who intend to pursue academic debate beyond
the classroom. This glossary explains more of the field-specific terminology of the academic debate world.
Table of Contents
Preface.
I. FOUNDATIONS � ARGUMENTATION AS INQUIRY AND ADVOCACY.
1. A Perspective on Argumentation.
2. Basic Concepts.
II. CRITICAL INQUIRY
3. The Nature of Argument.
4. Discovering Data.
5. Testing Data.
6. Inductive Arguments.
7. Deductive Arguments.
8. Fallacies.
III. ARGUMENTATIVE ADVOCACY.
9. Analysis of Proposition of Fact/Value.
10. Analysis of Proposition of Policy Controversy.
11. Organizing and Briefing.
12. Fields and Forums.
13. Narrative.
14. Communicating Argument.
IV: ACADEMIC DEBATE.
15. Formats for Academic Debate.
16. Refutation.
17. Cross-Examination.
18. Affirmative Case Strategies.
19. Negative Case Strategies.
Appendix: Glossary of Academic Debate Terms.
Index.
