Argumentation Theory and the Threat from Postmodernism and Relativism: A Provocative Approach

Authors: Jales Ribeiro H*

DOI: 10.23880/phij-16000250

Volume 5, Issue 2

Abstract

In this article the author shows ─ against the current literature on argumentation theory and following his own research in the past ─ why we must accept relativism, that is, the theory that two contradictory theses in a given argumentative context are both defensible. Apparently, this implies the collapse of argumentation theories in general and, particularly, the collapse of argument theories – the theories that aim to study how arguments themselves can be relevant. The author argues that such disastrous consequences should not be drawn and explains why the challenges presented by relativism are not insurmountable.

Keywords: Argumentation theory; Dialectic arguments; Foundationalism; Relativism

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