Manifest Rationality

"Manifest Rationality: A Pragmatic Theory of Argument works through numerous theoretical issues that have been developing in informal logic over the past 20 years. Author Ralph H. Johnson defines a core position in the theory of argument from which these issues can be further explored.

He presents informal logic as an important avenue for the exploration of issues that confront the theory of argument, and he argues the necessity for reconceptualizing the notion of argument and developing a theory of evaluation that transcends the usual criticisms. Johnson claims that the normative dimension of the theory of argument must develop out of a proper understanding of the practice of argumentation, and in that sense will be pragmatic in character.

He further argues that it is necessary to rethink traditional conceptions of argument, and to find a position that avoids the limitations of both the highly abstract approach of formal logic and the highly contextualized approaches of rhetoric and communication theory.".

"Johnson starts off the volume by situating the theory of argument in its historical context and critically reviewing previous theories of argument. He then presents the theoretical core of his position, developing it in the context of critical discussion of the important historical and recent initiatives. He goes on to examine and respond to objections to informal logic as the theory of argument, critically discusses alternative theories of argument, and proposes a research agenda.

Of great interest to academics, researchers, and students in logic, rhetoric, linguistics, composition, psychology, and related disciplines, this volume provides a significant and compelling new treatment of informal logic and its role in argumentation theory."--BOOK JACKET.