Toulmin analysis of arguments in science

1. Toulmin analysis of arguments in science

2. Components of Argument: • Claim: What's your point? • Grounds: What do you have to go on? • Qualifier: How sure are you? • Warrant: How did you get from grounds to claim? • Backing: What supports your warrant? • Rebuttal: Are there any exceptions to your claim?

3. Beverly Dale is entitled to vote at town meetings. Claim

4. Beverly Dale is entitled to vote at town meetings. She is a local taxpayer. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim

5. All local taxpayers are normally entitled to vote at town meetings. Warrant Beverly Dale is entitled to vote at town meetings. She is a local taxpayer. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim

6. Relevant legal and constitutional statues provide for suffrage. Backing All local taxpayers are normally entitled to vote at town meetings. Warrant Beverly Dale is entitled to vote at town meetings. She is a local taxpayer. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim Unless she is a noncitizen, a minor, a lunatic, or other disqualified person. Rebuttal

7. This patient requires penicillin. Claim

8. This patient requires penicillin. The patient presents the symptoms of upper respiratory infection. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim Unless this patient is allergic to penicillin. Rebuttal

9. Straightforward upper respiratory infections call for penicillin treatment. Warrant This patient requires penicillin. The patient presents the symptoms of upper respiratory infection. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim Unless this patient is allergic to penicillin. Rebuttal

10. The history of accumulated medical practice has the respect of the health care professions. Backing Straightforward upper respiratory infections call for penicillin treatment. Warrant This patient requires penicillin. The patient presents the symptoms of upper respiratory infection. So, presumably Qualifier Grounds Claim Unless this patient is allergic to penicillin. Rebuttal