Argumentation May 2015 Open Access

Going Multimodal: What is a Mode of Arguing and Why Does it Matter?

Leo Groarke University of Windsor

Abstract

During the last decade, one source of debate in argumentation theory has been the notion that there are different modes of arguing that need to be distinguished when analyzing and evaluating arguments. Visual argument is often cited as a paradigm example. This paper discusses the ways in which it and modes of arguing that invoke non-verbal sounds, smells, tactile sensations, music and other non-verbal entities may be defined and conceptualized. Though some attempts to construct a ‘multimodal’ theory of argument are criticized, it advocates for an argumentation theory that makes room for visual arguing and for other non-verbal modes that have not been explored in depth. In the process, the paper provides a method for identifying the structure of multimodal arguments and argues that adding modes to our theoretical tool box is an important step toward a comprehensive account of argument.

Journal
Argumentation
Published
2015-05-01
DOI
10.1007/s10503-014-9336-0
CompPile
Open Access
OA PDF Hybrid
Topics
argument multimodality
Export
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (10)

  1. Lewiński (2025)
    One Concept of Argument
    Argumentation
  2. Laar (2024)
    Multimodal Argument as Dialogue
    Argumentation
  3. Champagne et al. (2020)
    Why Images Cannot be Arguments, But Moving Ones Might
    Argumentation
  4. Rossini (2020)
    An Early Renaissance Altarpiece by Domenico Veneziano: A Case of Visual Argumen…
    Argumentation
  5. Marraud (2018)
    Arguments from Ostension
    Argumentation
Show all 10 →
  1. Eckstein (2018)
    Designing Soundscapes for Argumentation
    Philosophy & Rhetoric
  2. Aberdein (2018)
    Virtuous Norms for Visual Arguers
    Argumentation
  3. Eckstein (2017)
    Radiolab’s Sound Strategic Maneuvers
    Argumentation
  4. Godden (2017)
    On the Norms of Visual Argument: A Case for Normative Non-revisionism
    Argumentation
  5. Kjeldsen (2015)
    The Study of Visual and Multimodal Argumentation
    Argumentation

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CrossRef global citation count: 60 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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