argumentidel

Argumentidel is a term used in rhetorical and argumentative studies to describe a class of arguments that pair a defeasible claim with an appeal to idealized outcomes. The central move is to present a normative vision of what ought to be, and to claim that adopting the proposed position or policy will realize that vision, even when empirical support is limited or contested. In this sense, argumentidel blends logical reasoning with aspirational or utopian elements to persuade audiences.

Etymology and origin: The term is a neologism derived from a combination of “argument” and “ideal,” and is discussed in analyses of persuasive language. Its exact coinage is unclear, with several scholars noting its use in different strands of argumentation studies in the early 21st century. As a result, argumentidel is often described rather than attributed to a single originator.

Characteristics: Typical features include emphasis on values, ethics, or social ideals; use of hypothetical or future-oriented scenarios; appeals to a desirable but often abstract state of affairs; and a tendency to foreground vision over current empirical constraints. Argumentidel arguments may appear persuasive because they align with audience aspirations, but they can be less tractable to falsification or critical scrutiny when evidence is sparse.

Context and critique: In practice, argumentidel can energize political or social rhetoric by offering a compelling narrative of improvement. Critics argue that it can obscure practical trade-offs and alternative outcomes, while defenders contend that aspirational framing is a legitimate part of deliberation when grounded in plausible pathways.

See also: rhetoric, argumentation, logical fallacies, utopianism, aspirational rhetoric.