The programme in Rhetoric, Argumentation Theory and Philosophy (research) provides a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for understanding the diverse ways in which ordinary language is used in various types of discourse and texts as a means of convincing others of a given viewpoint or idea.

Crucial concepts from the rhetorical, dialectical and logical approaches used in argumentative discourse analysis, evaluation and production are examined and discussed in a systematic fashion. Relevant insights from speech act theory, Gricean analysis of rational interaction, discourse analysis and formal and informal logic provide a framework in this process.

All major classical and modern approaches to the reasonableness and rationality of institutionalised and non-institutionalised types of discourse are considered, from juridical and political discourse to spontaneous everyday conversations. Students also become familiar with the methods and techniques of qualitative and quantitative empirical research in the fields of discourse analysis, argumentation theory, formal and informal logic and rhetoric. This in turn enables them to carry out thorough and theoretically justified analyses, case studies and other types of investigations of real-life discussions and texts.

What our students say

Jacky Visser is a student of the programme in Rhetoric, Argumentation Theory and Philosophy (research). Follow the link below to read a short interview (in Dutch) about his  experiences in the programme.