Toulmin Method

What is the Toulmin method?

According to the textbook, the Toulmin method is a "technique based on the work of Stephen Toulmin, a contemporary philosopher who contributed a great deal to the understanding of argumentation. This method will allow you to analyze the logic of any argument; you will also find it useful in studying the logic of your own arguments as you draft and revise them." (Green 284)

One important piece of this method includes "warrants." Warrants are unstated assumptions the author of an argument may make, assuming the reader is already in agreement with their statement and does not need to further argue or explain their point. Readers should always take into account possible missing statements (or warrants) to study the soundness of an argument. According to the textbook "a writer may intentionally keep warrants unstated to discourage readers from thinking too hard about an argument's underlying principles." (Green 285)

Another important piece to the Toulmin method includes "qualifiers." A qualifier is meant to narrow down a statement so opposers aren't able to point out exceptions to the argument. This can be done by making wording more specific or removing assumptions/universal claims from the argument.

The last important piece of the Toulmin method is the use of a rebuttal. According to the textbook "a rebuttal is a statement that shows that the writer has anticipated counterarguments and diffused them by showing their flaws." (Green 286)

How has the Toulmin method been used online?

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/25/opinions/kids-online-safety-act-congress-brown

One way I have experienced the Toulmin method being used online is through Political Op-Eds and opinion pieces published on news sites. The article above is a CNN opinion article on how congress can help protect children online. When reading through the argument, the warrant is stated clearly; the author doesn't just state that online is often unsafe for minors but provided context and statistics about minors viewing potentially harmful content such as pornography. The argument is stated clearly and concisely which includes the "qualifiers" aspect, and the rebuttal includes a popular counterargument and why that argument is faulty. 

Although there are many examples through opinion pieces published online, I think it is important to note many sources do not include proper evidence conveyed through the Toulmin method, but we as readers can use this newfound information to check the credibility of articles and sources moving forward.