Argumentation Jun 2020 Open Access

Argumentative Use and Strategic Function of the Expression ‘Not for Nothing’

Henrike Jansen Leiden University ; Francisca Snoeck Henkemans University of Amsterdam

Abstract

AbstractIn English discourse one can find cases of the expression ‘not for nothing’ being used in argumentation. The expression can occur both in the argument and in the standpoint. In this chapter we analyse the argumentative and rhetorical aspects of ‘not for nothing’ by regarding this expression as a presentational device for strategic manoeuvring. We investigate under which conditions the proposition containing the expression ‘not for nothing’ functions as a standpoint, an argument or neither of these elements. It is also examined which type of standpoint (descriptive, evaluative or prescriptive) and which types of argument scheme (symptomatic, causal or comparison) the expression typically co-occurs with. In doing so we aim to develop a better understanding of the role and effects of ‘not for nothing’ when used in argumentation. Finally, we show that the strategic potential of ‘not for nothing’ lies in its suggestion that sufficient support has been provided while this support has in fact been left implicit.

Journal
Argumentation
Published
2020-06-01
DOI
10.1007/s10503-019-09509-8
CompPile
Open Access
OA PDF Hybrid
Topics
rhetorical criticism discourse analysis argument
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