Argumentative Approach Research Articles

Taking an argumentation approach to statistical investigations: developing student data-ing practices

AbstractResearch literature has provided considerable insight as to how young students might come to deeper understandings of statistical concepts, processes and representations through investigations. However, ‘data-ing’—the critical thinking aspects of decision-making while engaging in statistical investigations—has shown to be more difficult to grasp. Data-ing aspects of statistical investigations identified in literature as particularly challenging include: generating researchable questions, knowing when or how to apply statistical knowledge, seeing a need for evidence to support conclusions, and knowing how to use data as evidence. Argumentation practices necessitate a focus on the use of evidence to logically support a claim, thereby offering potential to focus students on the sufficiency and quality of evidence and the conclusions that can be drawn. As such, argumentation offers potential to support students to engage in data decision-making practices. In the research described here, an argumentation focus was used to guide a statistical investigation with a class of 9–10-year-old students in a suburban Australian school. Analysis of classroom interactions and children's work samples suggested that taking an argument-based focus supported students’ developing capacity to overcome the aforementioned challenges and to engage in critical, decision-making practices with authentic, messy data within the context of the investigation.

Decoding persuasion: a survey on ML and NLP methods for the study of online persuasion

The proliferation of digital communication has profoundly transformed the landscape of persuasive discourse. Online platforms have amplified the reach and impact of persuasive techniques. However, they have also enabled the rapid spread of manipulative content, targeted propaganda, and divisive rhetoric. Consequently, a wide range of computational approaches has emerged to address the multifaceted nature of digital persuasion, to detect and mitigate its harmful practices. In light of this, the paper surveys computational methods for detecting persuasive means in digital communication, focusing on how they integrate humanistic knowledge to operationalize this construct. Additionally, special emphasis is placed on models' explainability, a pivotal aspect considering these models are used by institutions to influence societal interactions. For the analysis, two primary perspectives in persuasion are defined: linguistic and argumentative. The linguistic approach analyzes specific textual features, allowing for highly accountable algorithms based on explicit rules. The argumentative approach focuses on broader persuasive mechanisms, offering greater scalability but often resulting in less explainable models due to their complexity. This tension between model sophistication and explainability presents a key challenge in developing effective and transparent persuasion detection systems. The results highlight the spectrum of methodologies for studying persuasion, ranging from analyzing stylistic elements to detecting explicitly propagandist messages. Our findings highlight two key challenges in using these algorithms to tackle societal issues of persuasion misuse: the opacity of deep learning models and the absence of a theoretically grounded distinction between vicious and virtuous persuasion. To address these challenges, we propose integrating social sciences and humanities theories to enhance the effectiveness and ethical robustness of persuasion detection systems. This interdisciplinary approach enables a more nuanced characterization of text, facilitating the differentiation between vicious and virtuous persuasion through analysis of rhetorical, argumentative, and emotional aspects. We emphasize the potential of hybrid approaches that combine rule-based methods with deep learning techniques, as these offer a promising avenue for implementing this interdisciplinary framework. The paper concludes by outlining future challenges, including the importance of multimodal and multilingual analysis, ethical considerations in handling user-generated data and the growing challenge of distinguishing between human and AI-generated persuasive content.

Kajian Eksistensi Bangunan Cagar Budaya Di Jl. Dr. Cipto Kota Semarang

The city of Semarang is rich in a multitude of cultural heritage. In accordance with the Decree of the Mayor of the Regional Head of Level II Semarang No. 646/50/TAHUN/1992 concerning Building Conservation, Ancient/Historic Buildings in the Semarang Level II Regional Municipality Area, several Cultural Heritage Buildings have been designated. The types of buildings determined consist of socio-cultural buildings, religious buildings and business buildings. Jl. Dr. Cipto was the development of the Dutch city area after the Old City was full so that Dutch and Chinese people living in Semarang began to occupy this area along with the emergence of supporting buildings. Research related to the existence of cultural heritage buildings cannot be separated from the role of trusted sources who understand or understand the object being studied. This research aims to obtain comprehensive facts, data and information related to the existence of Cultural Heritage Buildings which are the object of research. The primary survey in this research was carried out to obtain primary data or information, namely data or information obtained directly from the field. Field survey with an argumentative and persuasive approach to dig up information to strengthen institutional data and complement existing data. The technique for obtaining this data is observation, measurement and interviews. Apart from that, the survey was carried out using literature studies, reports related to previous Cultural Heritage Building data. The analysis results show that the Cultural Heritage Building on Jalan Dr. Most of this Cipto has strong characteristics of modern architecture, a style that was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the buildings are not multi-storey, and there are parts of the core building that resemble multi-storey towers. The building orientation tends to be west. The foundation of a building made of stone that supports the main structure. Until now, the building still looks sturdy and well maintained. The existence of cultural heritage buildings in the Old City area, especially on Jl. Dr. Cipto Semarang has an important meaning in supporting the existence of the region from its inception until today. The existence of a cultural heritage building on Jl. Dr. Cipto demonstrated the consistency of function and transformation of the building's function according to the needs of the time but did not change the shape/facade of the existing building. The role of building managers needs to continue to be improved by increasing cooperation between the Government, Building Management Organizations, Building Owners and Investors. The Semarang City Government needs to continue to play an active role in efforts to maintain the existence of cultural heritage buildings in the Jl. Dr. Cipto is mainly related to policies to support the existence of cultural heritage buildings so that they continue to exist.

Framing interactivity in complex communication of debate talk show

Abstract The present study explores how disagreement space is managed in a multiparty argumentative activity of debate talk show that focuses on the political situation in Belarus. The communicative activity under study is viewed as a type of difficult conversation that takes place between two groups that differ in their ideologies (Ellis 2020). In particular, drawing on the polylogical framework of argumentation (Lewiński and Aakhus 2023) and communication design approach (Aakhus 2007), the study investigates the communicative practice of framing that the moderators and the debaters use to shape disagreement space. The analysis shows that the activity is polylogical not just in a sense of positions, participants, and places (Lewiński and Aakhus 2023), but also in how argumentative activity is framed, which has consequences for how the interactivity is constructed and how disagreement space is managed in the course of interaction. It also shows how the interweaving of negative and positive features of communication add to the complexity of difficult interaction.

Exploring the competency-based approach curriculum in secondary education in Mali with the core players’ experiences

ABSTRACT Curricular reforms oftentimes cause more problems than they solve. Teachers’ being kept out of curricular activities is one main reason for a reform to plummet. In this qualitative study, we examined the Malian curricular policy from two aspects—reform and teaching and learning. Guided by Fischer’s argumentative approach theory, this analysis involved 18 participants. While officials and principals were interviewed, teachers were both interviewed and observed. We tried to elaborate on the power of arguments to further principals’ and teachers’ concerns and needs in curriculum related tasks. We discovered that CBA reform has the potential to harness learner’s chances to learn better. The identified challenges like the intricate dialogue between authorities and teachers need to be lifted to unlock the full potentiality of the reform and achieve goals. We also found that advocating for teachers’ inclusion in curriculum-making remains as important as upskilling teachers’ competence to contribute to curriculum processes. (Re-)Designing standardized textbooks can address the issues of curriculum content overload and concept opacity. This can also help unify practices and align content with contextual norms. To curb congestion, a typical phenomenon in resources-scarce areas like Mali, more classes or schools should mushroom.

Challenges and Effects of Dialogue and Argumentation in Teaching Ordinary Level Mathematics in Zimbabwe

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of challenges that affect the teaching of ordinary level mathematics using dialogue and argumentation approach in the mathematics classrooms in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey was the method employed for the research. The subjects of this study consisted of approximately 100 Ordinary level Mathematics teachers and ten Mathematics Head of Departments selected from 72 public high schools in Gutu district of Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was used for selecting ten participating Mathematics Head of Departments for qualitative data. Random sampling was used for selecting samples of teachers for quantitative research. Quantitative data analysis was done using two statistical metrics namely the mean and the standard deviation while qualitative data was analysed by thematic analysis. The empirical findings of the study indicated that challenges such as class size, planning, attitudes, heterogeneity, lack of confidence, and lack of proficiency among challenges that have a significant but negative influence on the application of dialogue and argumentation in the teaching of Ordinary level mathematics. The main study limitation was that the results may not be transferable nationally since the study was limited to schools in the Gutu district of Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. These results have implications on the need for mathematics teachers to receive training on how to plan and implement the dialogue and argumentation teaching approach in the mathematics classrooms.

Review of Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy Responsiveness Capacity to Red Sea Militarization between 1991-2018

Abstract This article aims to assess responsiveness capacity of Ethiopian foreign policy on political and militarization dynamics in the Red Sea region from 1991 to 2018. Primarily, the evaluation employs the Effectiveness and Adequacy policy measurement criteria to assess the foreign policy's responsiveness. The review employed explanatory and argumentative approaches to examine different sources. The study also designed a logical framework of analysis by incorporating relevant IR theories like Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) and Realism. The analysis then divided foreign policy objectives into General objectives and specific objectives which include Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. Consequently, Adequacy and effectiveness policy evaluation criteria are used as to examine whether or not Ethiopian foreign policy assumptions are aligning with the Red Sea political dynamics and effectively achieve the stated objectives. The study shows shortcomings in responsiveness of both adequacy and effectiveness criteria. This is due to change in prior policy assumptions caused by rapid global and regional power dynamics. nevertheless, country specific findings are different. In country such as Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula the policy is found to be is ineffective and inadequate; where as in Somalia it’s both effective and adequate. on the other hand, policy towards Egypt bound to have adequate assumptions but not effective. Therefore, revision and adoption of a holistic policy towards Red Sea region recommended.

Equity and Social Inclusion in Higher Education: The Funding Dilemma in Public Universities in Kenya

Equity and social inclusion in education are core to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. This goal recognizes that education is a human right that should be accessible to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status. Universities are uniquely placed to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by guaranteeing inclusive and equitable education. As citadels of research, knowledge production, and innovation, these institutions are rationally obligated to steer the 2030 Agenda. Indeed, the growth of university education has contributed enormously to Kenya's economic development. Yet, to continue contributing to inclusive and equitable education, universities require finances to reorient, repurpose and refocus. Unfortunately, public universities in Kenya are presently experiencing challenges that threaten their contribution to sustainable development through SDG 4. Therefore, this paper sought to enquire whether funding is a dilemma to universities achievement of equity and social inclusion goals. Besides, the paper considered strategies to address access, quality, and management barriers to inclusive and equitable education in higher education. The paper used the argumentative approach to conclude that inclusive and equitable education in higher education is at the most risk due to the diminishing funding of public universities and the unilateral push by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overhaul some of these public universities. However, these institutions have the capacity to conduct research towards viable programs. Since funding does not appear as a dilemma to achieving equity and social inclusion in these institutions, this study recommends that the government should rethink the funding strategy in public universities by looking at other strategies like financial exposure awareness, development of principles, and change preparedness in order to enhance these institutions' potential to achieve SDG 4.

The gravity equation in international trade: an overview of the introduction of gravity to the study of economics and its systematic barriers

This article explores the evolution of the gravity model in international trade studies, emphasising systematic barriers to its acceptance. Employing a chronological and argumentative approach, it examines the emergence of the gravity concept, comparing Isard’s original contribution with Tinbergen’s econometric approach. It discusses how the heuristic nature of economics and a perceived lack of theoretical foundation initially hindered the gravity equation’s use. The works of Tinbergen’s contemporaries, including Linnemann and Anderson, are introduced. Lastly, recent findings in research will be reviewed, such as Krugman’s New Economic Geography, which seeks to encompass Isard’s intention to combine international trade with localisation theories.

Contextual Limitations in Sandra Harding's Epistemological Framework and How They Can be Overcome

This paper aims to investigate the contextual constraints in Sandra Harding's epistemology and suggest methods to get around them. The standpoint theory developed by Harding highlights the significance of taking historical, social, and cultural contexts into account when producing knowledge. This strategy essentializes and homogenizes various experiences and viewpoints. The study offers potential solutions to these constraints by critically examining the drawbacks of intersectionality and feminist standpoint theory. This entails embracing a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics, encouraging inclusive and diverse viewpoints, and acknowledging the complexities of multiple intersecting identities. The study aims to strengthen and enhance Harding's epistemology by addressing its contextual limitations and promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to knowledge production. To achieve this goal, this study employs the laws of thought: three guiding principles: the non-contradiction rule, the excluded middle, and the identity principle. The study is primarily a conceptual analysis that proceeded by library study, employing the typical philosophical argumentation approach of evaluation, analysis, synthesis, reflection, and philosophical speculation. By highlighting the weaknesses of Harding's epistemology and suggesting possible remedies, this study contributes to a broader debate on the potential limitations of epistemology. It offers insights into developing more robust epistemological frameworks that promote social justice and inclusivity in knowledge inquiries, practices, and justification.

What Is the Aim of PEDIATRIC "Gender-Affirming" Care?

The original "Dutch Protocol"-the treatment model comprised of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgery-was intended to improve the mental and physical health of pediatric patients experiencing distress over their sexed bodies. Consequently, both researchers and clinicians have couched eligibility for treatment and measures of treatment efficacy in terms of the interventions' effects on outcomes such as gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety, and suicide. However, recent systematic reviews have concluded that the scientific evidence supporting these interventions is uncertain, leading to significant international differences in what treatments are offered to youth. Against this backdrop, a different argumentative approach has emerged in support of gender-affirming care. This approach appeals not to reductions in patient morbidity or mortality but to patient autonomy, where medical intervention is pursued as a means to the satisfaction of a patient's "embodiment goals." In this article, I raise objections to autonomy-based justifications for pediatric gender-affirming care, concluding that these arguments misunderstand the place of autonomy in clinical decision-making and, consequently, put patients at risk of medical harm.

Justification of E-Argumentation Software based on a Needs Analysis in Education Context

Argumentation can be defined as a process in which claim, data, justification and supports, which are considered the basic building blocks of an argument, are connected together in a meaningful way. Especially in Science Education, argumentation method is known to have positive contributions to the learning-teaching processes. Today, there is much opportunity to integrate digital tools or software in argumentation processes for better learning outcomes. The literature points out the difficulties experienced by teachers and learners in the argumentation processes and emphasizes that digital tools or software can offer solutions to these problems. In this context, a wide variety of software is used to support argumentation processes in education more effectively and easily. The aim of this study is to examine existing argumentation software and to determine the features of a new "E-Argumentation" software, which is supposed to be a better and contemporary solution for argumentation processes, based on a needs analysis. Existing argumentation software is not rich in terms of multimedia usage and not compatible with group work, which is important in argumentation processes, or with three argumentation approaches in the literature. Furthermore, existing software has serious shortcomings in terms of usability and educational value. As a result, it is clear that there is a need for argumentation software which is compatible with current technologies, pedagogically useful, and has high level of usability and accessibility.

The Theatre of Revenge: The Intrusion of Hamlet’s Shadow Between Drama and History

Abstract Hamlet is a troubling piece. In this essay the reasons of internal ambiguity are analyzed through the conceptual prism of revenge. Moving from the well-known dispute between T.S. Eliot and C. Schmitt, the Author proposes an anti-canonical reading of the themes of the tragedy by reconstituting its socio-legal context. The aim is to bring to the surface legal elements which would be combined with the political facts already described by Schmitt in order to aid and amplify the validity of his argumentative approach. The historical transition from a documentary culture to a revenge culture, that marked the English imaginative world in Renaissance and post-Renaissance time, allows the interpreter to explain the excess not contained by Hamlet’s plot not only with the figures of the taboo of the Queen and the taboo of the Avenger (outlined by Schmitt in his work Hamlet or Hecuba), but also with a new and yet unexplored taboo of justice.

Metaphysics of the Organic Whole: Ehrenfels, Uexküll, and Merleau-Ponty

The aim of this paper is to compare the theory of Gestalt qualities, introduced by the Austrian philosopher Christian von Ehrenfels (1859–1932), with the concept of Umwelt, proposed by Jakob von Uexküll (1864–1944). The primary basis for the comparison will be the phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961), who extensively discusses the two concepts in his work. In the Uexküll–Ehrenfelsian context, we focus on analysing the similarities and differences of their argumentation and model approaches to understanding the living and non-living natural entities, their mutual communication, development, and ontological grounding. We also consider the role of individual experience with the environment: in that context, the metaphysical frameworks within which the two thinkers operate in their efforts to explain natural phenomena are central to our comparative reflections.

Taking a LEAP toward community-engaged leadership

Historical and contemporary factors have disenfranchised and destabilized certain school communities (specifically communities of color). Education leaders can be more inclusive and address the persistent impacts of these broader trends by embracing a community-focused approach to leadership. Darrius A. Stanley, Dan Brogan, and Emily Colton borrow from contemporary research which suggests that educational leaders can help bridge the gaps between schools and historically disenfranchised communities through community-engaged leadership. They offer a research-based, conceptual argument and practical approach to building and sustaining community inclusive schools through listening, engaging, advocating, and partnering.

Stability tests for neutral‐type delay systems: A delay Lyapunov matrix and piecewise linear approximation of the functional argument approach

AbstractNew necessary and sufficient stability tests for neutral‐type linear time delay systems are presented. They are based on functionals with prescribed derivative depending on the delay Lyapunov matrix and recent stability/instability theorems. A piecewise linear approximation of the initial function argument in the functional is employed. As a result, the functional is approximated via a quadratic form whose matrix provides stability criteria. This matrix involves the integrals based on the delay Lyapunov matrix which are handled via an efficient computational procedure. The main feature of these tests is that they are verified in a finite number of operations, which is achieved through rigorous bounding of the approximation error on a specific class of functions. Some examples which validate the obtained results are presented and discussed.

Urban Nature Preservation and Conservation Strategies Based on Biophilic Institutions and Governance: A Lesson Learned from Gold Coast City for Indonesian Cities

Biophilic urbanism is considered as one approach to solve the problem of city’s over-development and may provide opportunities for citizens to connect with the natural environment. This research project is using argumentative approach in attempts to analyse urban nature preservation strategy of the Gold Coast City, based on the biophilic urbanism concept, with a focus on institutions and governance aspect, including biodiversity-related action plans, biophilic support organizations, environmental education, budgets for biophilic urbanism projects, and biophilic-related projects and initiatives. Moreover, it also analyses the constraints to implementing good biophilic governance based on the political/legal, economic, socio-cultural, and technological factors. To determine urban nature conservation and preservation strategies for the Gold Coast’s future, a SWOT analysis was undertaken. The results of this study could usefully give a brief reflection on the possibility of implementing the biophilic city concept for Indonesian cities in general.

Custos vulnerabilis, fundamental rights and culture: reflections in light of Marc galanter´s critical ideas

This article attempts to investigate the public defender office’s intervention in Brazilian’s civil litigation as custos vulnerabilis. It will analyze whether this legal construction effectively has a redistributive impact on law and changes the status quo or would it be a symbolic commitment. It uses the argumentative dialectical approach method; the structuralism procedure method and the sociological interpretation method. As a research hypothesis, it considers that public defender office’s intervention as a “vulnerable’s guardian” is legitimated by the protection of vulnerable group’s fundamental rights. The objectives of this essay are: i) to analyze the public defender’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis; ii) to examine the civil litigation neutrality discourse and the limitations to law’s transformation by Marc Galanter; iii) associating law and culture, to investigate whether the referred intervention modality has the aptitude to promote social change, analyzing its theoretical basis of legitimation. The conclusions show that: i) the public defender office’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis is interpreted from art. 134 of Brazilian’s Constitution, to promote fundamental human rights; ii) the recognition of this interventional modality by jurisprudence reveals the Brazilian society’s cultural transformation and of process itself; iii) this interventional modality’s consolidation may contribute to a paradigm shift in Brazilian civil process, making it more inclusive and fairer.

Reflections on the Application and Validation of Technology in Language Testing

ABSTRACT This paper highlights as issues of concern the rapid changes in technology and the tendency to report on partial validation efforts where the work is not identified as forming part of a larger validation project. With close human supervision emerging technologies can have a significant and positive impact on language testing. While technology seems to be constantly changing and improving, there is still a lot to learn in the approaches these papers take in identifying aspects of the constructs of interest amenable to operationalization and measurement through technology. In terms of validation, the paper suggests a number of important things to consider. These include presenting assessment arguments in a form that meets the needs of the stakeholder groups most clearly affected by the claims being made; working towards an interactive communication-based argument approach, ideally involving validators who are independent of the developer; and ensuring that any “partial” validation is explicitly linked to a broader argument. The paper ends by predicting that technology will see the practice of language testing changing radically from where it is today and while fairness, justice and validation will always be primary concerns, the challenges associated with establishing evidence of these will only increase.

The dangerous use of genetic information

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform or alert readers to the extensive use and ready availability of genetic information that poses varying degrees of social and legal danger. The eugenics movement of the 1920s and the general acceptance of genetic essentialism provide context for considering contemporary examples of the problem.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes an argumentative approach, supporting proposals with ideas from historical and current research literature.FindingsThe limits of data protection, extensive use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and use of genetic information in white nationalist circles portend a resurgence of eugenic beliefs from a century ago.Social implicationsResearch-based recommendations may help to avoid extreme consequences by encouraging people to make informed decisions about the use of genetic information.Originality/valueThe paper counterposes contemporary understanding of genetic testing and data accessibility with the much older ideology of eugenics, leading to concerns about how white nationalists might further their aims with 21st century technology.