Indirect argumentative resources in Book VI of the Republic
Abstract
In this paper, we propose that allegory can serve a purpose within argumentation and that it is a resource often used by philosophers, but this would not be possible without considering new ways of understanding argumentation. We start from the argumentation theory of Perelman and Van Eemeren to show how two of the best-known allegories in the philosophical tradition play an argumentative function along the lines of reasonableness and persuasion.
After briefly considering our theoretical framework for the two theories of argumentation we will use, we recover the conception of allegories as an extended metaphor and of metaphor as a condensation of analogies, with the aim of treating them as argumentative resources following Perelman. Then, considering Van Eemeren's theory, we place them within the model of critical discussion, showing their argumentative function; then, we explain how these allegories are part of Plato's strategic maneuvering. Finally, we present some conclusions on the argumentative role of allegories.
References
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