argumentation theory

Example of an early argument map, from Richard Whately's Elements of Logic (1852 edition) Argumentation theory is the interdisciplinary study of how conclusions can be supported or undermined by premises through logical reasoning. With historical origins in logic, dialectic and rhetoric, argumentation theory includes the arts and sciences of civil debate, dialogue, conversation and persuasion. It studies rules of inference, logic and procedural rules in both Artificial intelligence and real-world settings.

Argumentation includes various forms of dialogue such as deliberation and negotiation which are concerned with collaborative decision-making procedures. It also encompasses eristic dialogue, the branch of social debate in which victory over an opponent is the primary goal, and didactic dialogue used for teaching. This discipline also studies the means by which people can express and rationally resolve or at least manage their disagreements.