Essentials for Arguing: Classical Oration Style

Overview

• Third video in the "Essentials for Arguing" series.
• Previous topics: ethos, pathos, logos, kairos, inductive and deductive reasoning, claims, and the Toulmin system of argumentation.
• Focus: Classical Oration Style, a prominent and straightforward argument structure.

Origins

• Classical Argument: Rooted in ancient Greece and Rome.
• Oration: Emphasis on public speaking.
• Exordium: Initial step to gain the audience's goodwill (e.g., "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears").

Structure of Classical Argument

1. Narration

   • Provides necessary background information on the topic.
   • Serves as the introduction.

2. Partition

   • Explains how the argument will proceed.
   • Includes the thesis statement.
   • Thesis in classical argument: End of the introduction.

3. Confirmatio (Confirmation)

   • Presentation of the argument with evidence and logic.
   • Emphasizes facts, reasoning, and credibility.
   • Body of the essay.

4. Refutation

   • Offers rebuttals to counterarguments.
   • Essential for addressing criticisms.
   • Explains why opponent's arguments are invalid or insufficient.

5. Peroratio (Conclusion)

   • Moves the audience towards action.
   • Final step in making the argument compelling.

Applications

• Modern Usage: Still prevalent today, e.g., criminal court cases.
  • Opening statements: outline of proceedings.
  • Prosecution and defense present arguments and refutations.
  • Conclusion: Jury persuaded towards a verdict.

Importance

• Effective for achieving clear victory in arguments.
• Refutation is crucial in this style for strengthening the argument.

Comparison to Other Styles

• Rogerian Argument: Modern and different from classical style.
  • Often unfamiliar to students.
  • More details will be covered in a future video.

Conclusion

• Classical argument is a time-tested method still relevant today.
• Questions can be directed to the instructor.
• Future videos will explore alternative argument styles like Rogerian argument.