Constructive Controversy: Rhetoric as Dissensus-oriented Discourse

Abstract

Current theories of argumentation underestimate the difference, emphasized
already by Aristotle, between theoretical and practical (action-oriented) argumentation.
This is exemplified with the argument theories of Toulmin, pragma-dialectics,
Habermas, Walton, and Perelman. Since antiquity, rhetoric has defined itself,
not as argument designed to “win,” but as action-oriented argument. Several distinctive
features of action-oriented argument are identified. One is that its warrants include
value concepts in audiences, implying an element of subjectivity in argument
assessment. Between individuals, but also inside each individual, several conflicting
value dimensions are typically involved, not just the dimension of truth-falsity, which
makes sustained, reasonable dissensus inevitable.