Local Theories of Argument

Argumentation theory has been a coherent set of Western theories since Athens, but the 2019 Alta Conference on Argumentation questioned its generality. This collection of essays explores the possibility of local theories of argument, arguing for reconsidering basic ideas about arguing to represent the uniqueness of some moment or location of discourse. The papers represent different methodologies, cover the experiences of different nations at different times, examine varying sorts of argumentative events, explore particular personal identities, and have different overall orientations to doing argumentation scholarship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 538 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Argumentation, a rich and intricate field of study, is commonly perceived as a coherent body of Western theories that emerged in ancient Athens and flourished throughout the Roman era, the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, and the Renaissance, culminating in the present century. These theories have undergone numerous refinements, expansions, and revisions, yet their fundamental framework has remained remarkably recognizable to Western scholars throughout centuries, or so it has seemed. The 2019 Alta Conference on Argumentation, a collaborative effort between the National Communication Association and the American Forensic Association, sought to challenge the universal applicability of these intellectual traditions.

The resulting compilation of essays explores the potential existence of local theories of argument, tailored to specific contexts, issues, places, or cultures. Within these essays, scholars advocate for reevaluating fundamental notions of argumentation to capture the unique characteristics of particular moments or locations of discourse. While some scholars embrace the Western traditions, finding them congenial to analyzing arguments originating from distinct circumstances, others advocate for a more nuanced approach, recognizing the diversity of argumentation practices across different regions and cultures.

The papers presented in this collection employ diverse methodologies, drawing from various fields such as linguistics, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. They encompass a wide range of historical experiences, spanning different nations and eras. The essays examine a diverse array of argumentative events, including speeches, court decisions, food choices, and sound, providing a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted nature of argumentation. They also delve into personal identities and the issues they highlight, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape argumentation.

Overall, the essays in this collection offer a rich tapestry of insights into the particularity and generality of the argumentation experience. While they do not provide a singular conclusion, they stimulate reflection on the boundaries between the unique and the universal, expanding our understanding of the scope of argumentation theories. This collection serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in exploring the complexities of argumentation across different contexts and cultures.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710385