Speaker's Series May 3

Friday, May 3, 2019 - 15:00

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

 

Marko Novak

Visiting CRRAR Fellow, New University Delpinove, Slovenia

 

“The Reconstruction of Multi-Modality in Court Cases”

Abstract: Multi-modal argumentation is a relatively new approach in argumentation theory. In Gilbert’s approach to multi-modality, it focuses not only on the logical mode of argumentation but also on the emotional, the kisceral, and the visceral, the so-called ‘alternate’ modes. Based on Jung’s psychological type theory, I have retained the logical and emotional modes, while translating the kisceral and visceral into the intuitive and sensory modes respectively. Since the formal institutional constraints in law mean that the (informal) logical mode predominates, it is a far from easy task to reconstruct multi-modality from the cases put before the courts. Nevertheless, (1) examples of real multi-modal argumentation (i.e. alternate arguments) can be found in the domain of lawyers’ briefs addressing judges (professional and lay – juries), but there are also certain court decisions which rely upon them. Furthermore, in a number of judges’ opinions, (2) elements (or “traces”) of multi-modal arguments, being linguistic analogues of real alternate arguments, may be found as rhetorical devices which they utilize. These have an argumentative value, helping to persuade or convince their audiences of the legitimacy of their decisions. If real alternate multi-modal arguments are non-verbal, then the other type of multi-modality at play in courts may be designated as quasi multi-modality.

 

Friday, May 3, 2019

3:00 pm

Chrysler Hall North, 1163

All are welcome

(519)253-3000