Centre for Research in Reasoning, Argumentation & Rhetoric along with the PhD in Argumentation Studies at the University of Windsor invite you to a talk by
Mustafa Yesil
Visiting CRRAR Fellow
“Some Ancient Discussions Influencing the Argumentation Studies
&
Three Different Types of Argumentation in Aristotle and Al-Fârâbî”
That Heraclitus considers the phenomenon of change as the fundamental reality of the universe influences argumentation studies as well as all sub-fields of philosophical investigation. As is known, this basic reality assumption can be understood from his doctrines of flux and unity of oppositions. But, when we investigate Parmenides’ explanations on these two doctrines, we see that making a judgement will be impossible, let alone making an argument. Similarly, some discussions in this context like the unreliability of names, the impossibility of talking about what is not, the infallibility of the speaker, the question of whether reality has a physical or metaphysical nature, etc. reveal some difficulties for making arguments. On the other hand, when these kinds of ancient discussions are wholly considered and commented upon, they make huge contributions to the argumentation studies we have today.
In this presentation, after briefly touching on these ancient discussions, we’ll try to explain how Aristotle and Al-Fârâbî (870-950) give shape to argumentation studies. That Al-Fârâbî explains some topics that Aristotle did not discuss in detail helps us both to understand Aristotle’s philosophy and to see three different types of argumentation used in philosophy. As a matter of fact, both Aristotle and Al-Fârâbî classify arguments as demonstrative, dialectical, and rhetorical. Although these arguments are different in terms of their premise structures and truth degrees, none of them is excluded from logic as a discipline. That is, each of these argumentation structures is important and has certain functions on its own merits. As a result, it can be claimed that to attach importance to this classification helps people to see the comprehensive perspective of argumentation studies.
Friday, April 5, 2019
3:00 pm
Chrysler Hall North, 1163
All are welcome