This week's discussion is about the Toulmin method and how it can be applied in an online communication setting. First, let’s break down what the Toulmin method is. The Toulmin method is a structured way to construct an argument, consisting of six components. The three main components are claims, grounds, and warrants, while the additional three components qualifiers, rebuttals, and backing are optional but can enhance an argument when needed.
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| Graphic made by me using the Purdue Toulmin Argument graphics as guide |
Main Components:
Claim: The main assertion or conclusion of an argument.
Example: A claim could be, "Drinking water is essential for good health."
Grounds: The evidence, facts, or data supporting the claim.
Example: Evidence for this claim includes that water helps maintain body temperature, removes waste, and supports organ function.
Warrant: The reasoning that connects the data to the claim.
Example: The warrant here is that the human body relies on water to perform basic physiological processes.
Additional Components:
Backing: Additional support that reinforces the warrant.
Example: Medical professionals recommend drinking at least 15 cups of water per day for optimal health.
Qualifier: Indicates the strength or scope of the claim (e.g., "likely," "usually").
Example: "Although the exact amount of water needed varies by individual based on factors like sex and other fluid intake"
Rebuttal: Anticipates and counters potential objections to the argument.
Example: Some might argue that other beverages can replace water, but drinks like soda often add sugar and calories without providing the same hydrating benefits.
These six components form the Toulmin method, which is widely applicable to constructing strong arguments.
Applying the Toulmin Method to Online Communication
Using the Toulmin method in the digital landscape can be both easy and challenging, depending on the circumstances. For example, whether in the comment section of a video or a reply thread on platforms like X or Facebook, the Toulmin method can provide a framework for clear and reasoned arguments.
Example: Urban Trees Discussion
Claim: Trees in urban areas improve public health and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Grounds: Links to articles and peer-reviewed journals showing that trees provide ecosystem services like cooling, CO₂ uptake, stormwater mitigation, and clean air.
Warrant: Cooler temperatures reduce energy consumption and improve comfort for residents, as supported by the studies.
Backing: Examples of urban tree programs in the U.S., which use inventories and data to assign monetary value to ecosystem services provided by urban trees.
Qualifier: "Although tree planting requires upfront investment, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs."
Rebuttal: In response to concerns about costs being too high, you could argue: "While maintenance costs may seem high, especially for tree removal, proper tree programs with community volunteer support can help. Many costs stem from poor techniques or reactionary management programs rather than proactive care."
Cool website on the benefits of trees, 22 benefits of trees
Limitations of the Toulmin Method in Online Settings:
Despite its utility, applying the Toulmin method online comes with challenges:
Access to Reliable Information:
Access to scientific information is often restricted by paywalls, which can lead to reliance on unreliable sources or misinformation. While making scientific information free and accessible is an ideal solution, it’s difficult in the current landscape.
Emotional Reactions:
Online discussions can be emotionally charged, with people reacting defensively to counterarguments. A potential solution is to use empathetic language and frame arguments as collaborative rather than confrontational.
Even with these challenges, strategically applying the Toulmin method to online communication can lead to more thoughtful and constructive discussions.
References
Good Food Is Good Medicine. (2022, July 21). Why it’s important for you to drink water and stay hydrated. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07
LeWine, H. E. (2023, May 22). How much water should I drink a day?. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
Suchocka, M., Heciak, J., Błaszczyk, M., Adamczyk, J., Gaworski, M., Gawłowska, A., Mojski, J., Kalaji, H. M., Kais, K., Kosno-Jończy, J., & Heciak, M. W. (2023). Comparison of ecosystem services and replacement value calculations performed for urban trees. Ecosystem Services, 63, 101553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2023.101553
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