The Toulmin Model:A better way of evaluating arguments

By Harut SargsianSpeech 104 Spring 2012

Stephen S. Toulmin

• Dr.Toulmin a well respected Philosophy Professor at USC

• Developed a model that demonstrates to us on how to evaluate arguments.

• The Toulmin model breaks the argument down to six parts.

Why use the Toulmin Model?

• We use the Toulmin model to better understand an argument.

• The better we understand the better we can know what the strengths and weaknesses are.

• The better we know the strenghts and weaknesses the easier we can resolve the issue at hand.

The Steps of the Toulmin Model

• Claim• Grounds• Warrant• Backing• Reservation• Qualifier

The Claim

• The Statement that is being argued

• Example: You should purchase a BMW

Grounds

• The roots of your claim, what you are trying to prove.

• Example: BMW has been the best selling premium car brand in the world for over 10 years.

Warrant

• The data that links the claim and the ground together, to form a stronger basis.

• Example: BMW has been voted as best consumer satisfaction out of any other car brand.

Backing

• The support of the argument, covers all points of argument to make it clear to the audience.

• Example: You can find a BMW dealership and service center in almost all major cities in the U.S.

Qualifier

• A statement that shows the strength between the data and the warrant, and how well the claim applies to both of these.

• Example: Many people are satisfied with BMW.

Rebuttal

• Counter –arguments that go against the original argument, finding the perfect statement to give an initial rebuttal to the argument.

• Example: Many BMW enthusiasts are prepared to offer you great service at any BMW center.

Sources

• The Toulmin Model of Argument: http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/Toulmin.pdf

• BMW News Group USA: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/startpage.htm

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