The Pragma-Dialectical Approach to Argumentation

In this chapter, the point of departure is that argumentation is aimed at achieving effectiveness through reasonableness: Differences of opinion are to be resolved based on the merits of the argumentative moves that are made in the discourse. In the pragma-dialectical approach of argumentation that is here explained, the theoretical tools have been developed for examining the strategic maneuvering that always takes place in argumentative discourse by trying to combine the pursuit of effectiveness with maintaining reasonableness. It is shown that by taking the strategic maneuvering into account with the help of these tools, a more profound and realistic critical analysis can be made of argumentative discourse.