Ryan Marina , 2201407024 (2012) Rational Persuasiveness of Arguments in Debate. Under Graduates thesis, Universitas Negeri Semarang.

Preview

PDF (Rational Persuasiveness of Arguments in Debate.) - Published Version Download (117kB) | Preview

Abstract

The objective of this final project was to assess the quality of arguments made by debaters in English Debating Society (EDS) of State University of Semarang based on the concept of rational persuasiveness. Moreover, this study was also conducted to identify the argument structure used by the debaters. There were two basic data involved in this study. The first data is the audio of the EDS preparatory rehearsal for the Indonesian Varsities English Debate (IVED) 2011 and the second is the transcript of the speeches in the rehearsal. After the process of transcription was carried out, it was followed by the argument reconstruction, code creation, argument classification, and finally the outline of a basic procedure for the assessment of arguments represented in standard form. From the analysis, it was revealed that from the four types of argument structures, V argument was the one with the biggest magnitude. They were 13 of them, followed by Complex Argument with the total of 8 of them, then followed by T and Simple Argument with the total amount of 6 and 2 of them. Moreover, both deductive and inductive form of argument are used by the debaters. Out of 29 arguments, 8 of them were deductive argument while the rest was inductive argument. In the 29 arguments, 3 of them were defeated. Two defeated arguments were made by the affirmative team and 1 defeated argument was made by the Negative team. After analyzing the deductive validity and inductive forcefulness of the argements, the truth-value of the premises, and determining whether they are defeated or not, 26 arguments were rationally persuasive and 3 arguments were not. Finally, some recommendations are given to the readers, especially debaters, so that they can improve the quality of their arguments. For readers or debaters, they should always attempt to improve their reasoning and arguing skill. They should encourage themselves to rehearse and broaden their view of the development of the latest issue in any aspect as well. In addition, there are also some suggestions for the sake of knowledge, particularly in the study of critical thinking. For educational purpose, debate activity should be promoted and encouraged among students of State University of Semarang. Moreover, further research concerning the same subject should be carried out to gain more knowledge about debate, and generally, about the study of critical thinking.

Actions (login required)

View Item