Argumentationskurve

Argumentationskurve is a term used in rhetoric and argumentation theory to describe a conceptual visualization of how persuasive force develops over the course of an argument or discourse. The term is used in German-speaking academic contexts to refer to the trajectory of claim strength as premises, evidence, and rhetorical moves accumulate toward a conclusion.

It is often represented as a curve along the progression of a text or speech. A typical curve starts with an opening claim, followed by supporting premises, empirical or logical evidence, consideration of potential objections, and a culminating appeal or decision. In ideal usage the curve rises as argumentation becomes more robust, but it may also fall if supporting material is weak, or if counterarguments are not adequately addressed. The shape may vary with genre, audience, and purpose.

Applications include teaching and analyzing writing and speaking. In pedagogy, instructors use the concept to help students structure arguments with a deliberate rise in strength, leading to a clear conclusion. In discourse analysis, researchers map segments of discourse to estimate the curve and compare across speakers, genres, or cultures. Some approaches quantify the curve by coding claims, evidence quality, coherence, and rhetorical techniques.

Limitations include its metaphorical nature and subjectivity in judging strength, potential simplification of complex rhetorical dynamics, and cultural differences in persuasive norms. The curve is one tool among others for understanding argumentation, not a universal standard.