What is this Project About?
The ethics of argumentation is an emerging sub-field within the field of argumentation theory. It addresses moral considerations having to do with argumentation as an interpersonal, social activity. It can be distinguished from projects such a discourse ethics. Where discourse ethics is dedicated to developing a general moral theory through (idealized) argumentation, the ethics of argumentation is dedicated to developing an applied moral theory for the practice of argumentation.
As an emerging field, the ethics of argumentation does not yet have a set of fundamental or basic approaches, though some are in development, like, e.g. Kat Stevens’ role ethics of argumentation and Christop Lumer’s welfare ethics of argumentation. Most work falling into the ethics of argumentation has been done as contributions to a range of discussions within argumentation theory. Among the topics of these discussions are adversariality in argument, the principle of charity, argumentative (in)justice, autonomy and argumentation and standing, voice and silencing in argumentation.
Which Fellows are Involved in this Project?
The research fellows involved in this project are Kat Stevens and Trudy Govier. The student fellow involved is Nathan Fuehrer.
What Are Some Sample Outputs of this Project?
- Look here for the Ethics of Argumentation Speaker Series and here for videos of past talks.
- Look here for a special issue on Adversariality and Argument that Kat Stevens co-edited with John Casey.
- Visit Kat Stevens’ profile to find the project-associated papers she has published.
- See here for a special Section of Philosophy & Rhetoric on “Argumentation and Autonomy”, co-edited by Katharina Stevens and John Casey (Northeastern Illinois University).
What are Some Works-In-Progress Associated with this Project?
Forthcoming:
- Book Project “Reasons and Passions”, by Trudy Govier, to be published, online and physically, by Windsor Studies in Argumentation. This work includes essays on topics such as adversariality, credibility, the pragmatic difference between argument and explanation, and narrative argument.
- Special Issue of Ethical Theory and Moral Practice on the “Ethics of Argumentation”, co-edited by Katharina Stevens, Andrew Aberdein.
In Progress:
- See here for a call for papers for a TOPOI special issue on the argumentative principle of charity.
- Book Project (under review): “The Ethics of Argumentation” by Kat Stevens
- MA thesis on Virtue Argumentation Theory with a focus on the role of moral virtues by Nathan Fuehrer.
- Several paper projects, among them papers on the principle of charity by Trudy Govier, Kat Stevens and Nathan Fuehrer.
How to Become Involved
If you want to become involved in this project, check out our opportunities-tab and contact Kat Stevens: katharina.stevens@uleth.ca.