Definition and Examples of Backing in the Toulmin Model

Definition and Examples of Backing in the Toulmin Model In the Toulmin model of argument, backing is the support or explanation provided for the warrant. The backing is often characterized by the word because. Examples and Observations [Stephen] Toulmins The Uses of Argument, which appeared in 1958, is mainly known for the model of argumentation presented in this book. This model represents the procedural form of argumentation: the various steps that can be distinguished in the defense of a standpoint. According to Toulmin, the soundness of argumentation is primarily determined by the degree in which the warrant, which connects the data adduced in the argumentation with the claim that is defended, is made acceptable by a backing. . . .What kind of backing is required, however, is dependent on the field to which the question at issue belongs. An ethical justification, for instance, requires a different kind of backing from a legal justification. Toulmin concludes from this that the evaluation criteria for determining the soundness of argumentation are field dependent.(Frans H. Van Eemeren, Argumentation Theory: An Overview of Approaches and Research Themes, in Rhetorical Argumentation in Biblical Texts, edited by An ders Eriksson, et al. Continuum, 2002) Different Kinds of BackingToulmin . . . emphasizes the difference between backing and warrant: backings can be categorical statements of fact just like data, while warrants always are general bridge-like statements . . .. A central point in Toulmins book [The Uses of Argument] is that different kinds of backings occur in different fields of argument. Among Toulmins examples of backings are statutes and acts of Parliament, statistical reports, appeals to the results of experiments and references to taxonomical systems. All can provide the backing that warrant the arguments as they are acceptable in particular fields.(Bart Verheij, Evaluating Arguments Based on Toulmins Scheme. Arguing on the Toulmin Model: New Essays in Argument Analysis and Evaluation, edited by David Hitchcock and Bart Verheij. Springer, 2006)Backing as EvidenceInitial Statement: It should be investigated whether Peter murdered George.Claim: Peter shot George.Backing: Witness W states that Peter shot George.[Here] . . . the backing statement is the kind of evidence you need to collect in a murder investigation. Of course, the witness may be lying, or what he says may not be true. But if he says that Peter shot George, that statement needs to be investigated in any proper investigation. It is relevant in that context.(Douglas N. Walton, Witness Testimony Evidence: Argumentation, Artificial Intelligence, and Law. Cambridge University Press, 2008)

Should You Tell Your Boss You Hate Your Job

Should You Tell Your Boss You Hate Your Job You hate your job.  You can barely force yourself to get out of bed in the morning to go to work. You’ve lost your passion almost completely. Your work conditions are appalling. And maybe you’re not alone; maybe your co-workers are equally miserable and this company is totally unredeemable. You want to share how you’re feeling with your boss, if only because she’ll have wanted to have the chance to make things better for you- at least to try and convince you to stay. But you’re worried you’ll get a reputation with the higher-ups as a disgruntled employee and then, even if you do get that raise or title bump, you’ll still be miserable at work.You hate your job so should you confront your boss or just conduct a quiet job search and sneak out without making a fuss?Can Your Boss Fix Things?The first thing to consider is whether there are any improvements to your current position or conditions that could convince you to stay. Would you be happier there if you were actually making fair pay for the work you do? Or if you negotiated some other adjustment to your work load that made your job more fulfilling? Before you decide to talk to your boss first, make sure you know how just high your bar is set for staying. And then be clear that you can’t stick around for anything less.Is Your Mind Already Made Up?But no matter how kind and conscientious your boss is, you don’t owe her anything. It’s still well within your rights to quietly get another job, and then give appropriate notice. It’s up to you to decide what you really want. If the answer is that you’re just done and want out? Don’t bother dragging your well-meaning (and probably powerless) supervisor into a decision process wherein your outcome is already decided.Make a graceful exit, don’t burn any bridges, and make sure you don’t fall into the same trap in your next position. Ask for what you deserve!