Dialectic and rhetoric in the pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation

Abstract

This paper explores the relationships between the notions of dialectic and rhetoric in the pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation developed primarily by Frans van Eemeren. In this theoretical perspective of argumentation the relations between the dialectics dimension and the rhetoric dimension are based on an assumption that is questionable: this theory assumes that for the argument to develop properly, the dialectic dimension must direct and have a priority over the rhetorical dimension. This interaction is complex and not always clear to address. For this paper has the purpose of performing an analysis of the relationships and conflicts among the main features of the dialectical dimension and the rhetorical dimension within this theoretical framework. Finally, some questions arising from the analysis that can motivate future research developments will arise.