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Toulmin and Pat McAfee

 It is easy to get into an argument these days. I feel like you can throw a biscuit at someone, and an argument will start. That might be because you threw a biscuit at someone, but there is a chance someone will critique your form when you threw the biscuit, or why you threw a biscuit instead of throwing a muffin, because the biscuit is not a better missile than a muffin. It really doesn't matter anyway, because you are now in an argument. Hopefully, you can hold your ground in this argument and if you have an understanding of the Toulmin Model, you will at least be able to communicate your reasoning for throwing the biscuit. 

    The Toulmin Model is a way of understanding the logical flow of an argument. The three basic parts of the Toulmin Model is the claim, reasons, and the evidence (Communicating Online, 316). The claim is your main argument you are presenting, with the reasons supporting the claim, and then the evidence is the support system that justifies the reasons for the claim. With the three main supports, there is also the addition of the warrant, or the critical thinking part of the argument. Most of the time, the warrant does not need to be stated, due to the understanding that your opponent uses critical thinking during the argument. The warrant works alongside the evidence in the argument. Then you have both the qualifier and the rebuttal, both work within the reasons of the argument (Communicating Online, 318). 



    While it may seem overwhelming to just read about the Toulmin Model, when put into play it is easier to grasp. Below is a clip from the Pat McAfee Show, a YouTube show were a former NFL punter talks about NFL related topics. On this particular episode, Pat and his team discuss the Detroit Lions hiring Dan Campbell as their new head coach. Before you watch the clip, two things to keep in mind. The clip does have strong language because one cannot have the conversation about the Detroit lions without cursing, so viewer discretion is advised. And the other is to understand that the Lions are an absolutely atrocious football team. They have historically one of the worst franchises in any professional sports league history and have let down their fans so many times, it is numbing at this point. They have been the laughingstock of the NFL for a few decades. I state this because I am one of those perpetually heartbroken fans.



    The breakdown of the argument is thus: The hiring of Dan Campbell will be great for football fans. Pat explains how Dan Campbell is entertaining, how passionate of an individual he is, and how the Lions have been missing star power quality. All the evidence being provided to show the claim of how Dan Campbell would be good for football fans. Thrown into the mix, are the qualifiers, of how there are no more superstars within the organization after trading the only star player they had as well as pointing out the fact of how excited fans are already at this point for this move. Pat recognizes how fans will think the Lions are still going to be a horrible football team, and Pat responds with affirmation but redirects with the idea that they will be entertaining. Down below is the breakdown of the Toulmin Model being used:

Claim: The NFL football fans will benefit from the Detroit Lions hiring Dan Campbell.

Reason: Dan Campbell is passionate, funny and a "football guy's, guy".

Evidence: The Dan Campbell introductory press conference and the opinions from other commentators who agree with Pat

Qualifier:  How the Lions have no other star power player to entertain the fans.

Rebuttal: The fact that even though hiring Dan Campbell will not make the team better, it will just be entertaining for the fans to watch. 

    By having the evidence and the qualifier at hand, McAfee is able to back up his claim that Dan Campbell will be entertaining to the football masses. With the rebuttal on hand, McAfee is able to redirect the statements towards his original claim.

    The Toulmin Model is an effective model for understanding/having an argument. It allows you to figure out the basis of an argument, allowing you to better structure your own argument, or to disassemble someone else's argument. So, whenever the individual you pelted a biscuit at comes up and questions why, use the Toulmin Model to effectively argue why it was necessary for you to assault them with a flour and water concoction.


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