Toulmin Method

 Hello! Welcome back to our weekly blog post where today I will be discussing the Toulmin Method and how it works within online communication. 

In the digital age, online communication is so important in how we form opinions, engage with others, and build arguments. From online debates to Instagram comment sections, the internet offers a vast realm of conversations that require critical thinking and an effective argument. A great method for navigating these discussions is the Toulmin method, a structured approach to analyzing arguments and creating persuasive messages. The Toulmin method was created by a philosopher named Stephen Toulmin. It breaks down arguments into six key components:

1. Claim: The main point that the argument is trying to prove. This is the basis of the argument that the speaker or writer wants the audience to believe.

2. Data: Evidence or facts that support the claim. Data can include statistics, opinions, personal experiences, or research findings.

3. Warrant: How the data connects to the claim. It explains why the data supports the claim in a logical way.

4. Backing: Additional support for the original claim, which is normally in the form of further evidence or explanation, which validates the argument. 

5. Qualifier: A statement that further describes the strength or limits of the claim. Phrases like “most likely,” “in many cases,” or “it is possible that” can be used to show that the claim isn't absolute. 

6. Rebuttal: The acknowledgment of counterarguments to the claim. It allows the speaker to address any opposing views and address potential weaknesses in the argument.

 

The Toulmin Method can help strengthen online arguments or communication in general by strengthening your position or challenge opposing views. It can bring clarity and precision to back up the argument by forcing an individual to logically present their argument instead of using unsupported claims/evidence. It also emphasizes using evidence based facts, focusing on backing to encourage fact-based communication so there is a decrease of misinformation. The Toulmin method also encourages counter-arguments and rebuttals to create more thoughtful engagement between people who have opposing views. This helps create more respectful conversations that occur with meaning. 

 

Let's create an example of a good argument facilitated by the Toulmin Method:

    Example: A discussion on Twitter about climate change.

• Claim: Climate change is caused by human activity.

• Data: Scientific consensus, such as research from NASA on Climate Change, supports the idea that human actions like burning fossil fuels have led to global warming.

• Warrant: Since the evidence from multiple scientific sources shows human influence on climate change, it’s reasonable to argue that human activity is the main cause.

• Backing: Further studies and data from reputable sources like the World Meteor Organization and peer-reviewed journals strengthen this point.

• Qualifier: While most scientists agree, there may still be some uncertainties about the specific impacts and how quickly they will occur.

• Rebuttal: Opponents might argue that climate change is part of a natural cycle, but the overwhelming evidence points to human activity as the main factor.

The Toulmin Method can be extremely helpful when used correctly but like everything else, can have potential drawbacks. Information overload can occur when someone is consuming way too much media and is unable to identify what sources are reliable. Echo chambers occur when a user is only exposed to information that reinforces their personal beliefs and are also a worry for online users. Emotional Influence is a large problem in arguments because users allow their emotions to argue for them, rather than focusing on facts. All of these things make it hard for users to apply ideas from the Toulmin method, therefore causing unnecessary arguments that are created on the basis of misinformation. 

Here is a great source that talks about why echo chambers are so harmful to our society/users: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0020174X.2023.2174590#d1e421 

Finally, critical thinking requires the ability to think clearly and rationally when evaluating information or making decisions. In the context of online discussions, critical thinking helps identify logic, assess the sources, and make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion or bias. Information literacy is the ability to evaluate and use information effectively. In this digital age, the internet is full of vast amounts of information so developing strong information literacy skills is important for ensuring that arguments are based on reliable and accurate data.