Anthropology of Argument: Cultural Foundations of Rhetoric and Reason

The Anthropology of Argument explores the experience of argument across cultures, introducing an anthropological perspective into rhetoric, communication, and philosophy. It demonstrates how argumentation can be understood as a means of expression and a gathering place of ideas and styles, and examines the argumentative roles of place, orality, myth, narrative, and audience. The book has implications for our understanding of contemporary argumentative discourse in areas marked by deep disagreement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking text revitalizes the study of argumentation by delving into the diverse experiences of argument across cultures, integrating an anthropological perspective into the realms of rhetoric, communication, and philosophy. The Anthropology of Argument addresses a crucial gap in contemporary argumentation theory by shifting the focus away from the purely propositional nature of arguments and towards how they emerge from the lived experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. By demonstrating how argumentation can be understood as a means of expression and a gathering place for ideas and styles, the book offers a fresh perspective on the field.

Confronting the limitations of the Western tradition of logic, the book explores the argumentative roles of place, orality, myth, narrative, and audience. It examines the nature of multi-modal argumentation, challenging the notion of a singular, universal approach to argumentation. Tindale critically analyzes the impacts of colonialism on the field and addresses both optimistic and cynical assessments of contextual differences. The results of this research have profound implications for our understanding of contemporary argumentative discourse in areas characterized by deep disagreements, such as politics, law, and social policy.

The Anthropology of Argument is a valuable resource for scholars and upper-level students interested in communication, philosophy, argumentation theory, anthropology, rhetoric, linguistics, and cultural studies. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of argumentation, offering insights that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. By embracing an anthropological lens, the book fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of argumentation in different cultural contexts, contributing to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human communication.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367619244