Discourse analysis and argumentation theory: the case of television talk

This paper, in discussing the six studies that make up this special issue of the Journal of Pragmatics on argumentation and television talk shows, offers reflections on the relationship between discourse analysis and argumentation theory. First, a brief sketch of both discourse analysis and argumentation theory is given. This is followed by some general remarks about argumentation in TV shows. Matters of interest pertaining to the relationship between discourse analysis and argumentation theory in the six articles are then discussed in more detail. The paper concludes with a summarising view on how argumentation theory and discourse analysis can benefit from each other.