An analytical model for multi-modal argumentation

Traditional argumentation theory has primarily centered on logical reasoning, often overlooking other modes that also contribute to argumentative practice. Michael Gilbert’s multi-modal argumentation theory represents an important advancement by integrating these neglected modes into argumentation analysis, and it has accordingly attracted substantial attention within argumentation studies. Yet, a systematic model for the analysis and evaluation of multi-modal argumentation remains underdeveloped. To address this gap, this paper proposes a path-based model, taking an important step toward the systematic model. In our account, we take the goal of argumentation to be the resolution of disagreement through the presentation of arguments whose premises are intended to justify a conclusion that expresses the arguer’s standpoint. We treat a mode as a way through which information is expressed, and we employ the notion of path to represent the justificatory connection between premises and the conclusion.