Logical techniques of argumentation in scholarly-critical discourse by David Lodge

Abstract

The article outlines basic methods and general features of argumentation in scholarly-critical discourse of David Lodge. Schematically, the argument can be represented as a pyramid, the top of which forms the main standpoint, based on minor standpoints. Minor standpoints serve as main arguments in support of the main standpoint (thesis), based in turn on their arguments. Division of standpoints into main and minor forms their hierarchy. The investigation has revealed that the author uses multiple and complex argumentation. Multiple argumentation is used for a better justification. It seems that the speaker is aware of all the possible objections put forward on a view. Verbal indicators of multiple argumentation can be expressed by conjunctions (because, and, or), words and phrases (by the way, moreover, incidentally, etc.). Within complex argumentation, subordinative and coordinative types of argumentation have been traced.