Reconstructing Arguments: Formalization and Reflective Equilibrium
Abstract
Traditional logical reconstruction of arguments aims at assessing the validity of ordinary language arguments. It involves several tasks: extracting argumentations from texts, breaking up complex argumentations into individual arguments, framing arguments in standard form, as well as formalizing arguments and showing their validity with the help of a logical formalism. These tasks are guided by a multitude of partly antagonistic goals, they interact in various feedback loops, and they are intertwined with the development of theories of valid inference and adequate formalization. This paper explores how the method of reflective equilibrium can be used for modelling the complexity of such reconstructions and for justifying the various steps involved. The proposed approach is illustrated and tested in a detailed reconstruction of the beginning of Anselm’s De casu diaboli.
Date Issued
2014
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
argument analysis
•
formalization
•
logical form
•
reflective equilibrium
•
Anselm
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Additional Credits
Journal
Logical analysis and history of philosophy
Publisher
Mentis
ISSN
1617-3473
Access(Rights)
metadata.only