Toulmin Model and Sherlock Holmes
The Toulmin Model of argumentation asserts that a good argument consists of six parts which intend to develop a practical argument. The first element is the "claim," or the conclusion that the argument must establish. The next part is the "data," or the facts and evidence collected and used to confirm the argument. In order to support the data, general, hypothetical, or logical statements are used, these are called "warrants." A good argument should limit itself to what can be proven and so it requires "qualifiers" which restrict the argument to a point where it can be supported by facts. In order to support the warrants made during the argument, sometimes "backing statements" are used to add credence to the statements made during the argument. These backing statements may not directly support the claim, but should always support the supporting warrants. Finally, since there are always counterarguments to be made against the claim, "rebuttals" are a way to incorporate circumstances when the general argument is not applicable.
This particular model of argumentation can be applied to a number of situations, including the traditional "mystery" story like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Scandal in Bohemia." This Sherlock Holmes account is an unusual
In a strange turn of events, Homes and Watson are tasked by the King of Bohemia to retrieve a scandalous photograph from the hands of a former lover who has threatened to expose the photograph and ruin King's upcoming marriage. But in accordance with the Toulmin Model, the "claim" can be made that Sherlock Holmes' infatuation with the notorious Irene Adler was the source of his failure.
Several times Sherlock Holmes made statements that were out of character for the extremely rational and logical sleuth. For instance, Holmes commented on her beauty and the fact that she was a "remarkable woman." These statements can be seen as "data" that can prove the point that Homes was infatuated with the suspect in one of his cases. The fact that he kept a gold sovereign coin given to him by Ms. Adler could serve as a "warrant" that backs up the point that he was indeed quite taken by the lovely woman. The Toulmin Model sometimes requires that backing statement be made to support the warrants stated in the argument. The several warrant statements about Sherlock Holmes demonstrating feelings for Irene Adler can be supported by the "backing statements" that prove this point. For instance, those familiar with the Sherlock Holmes stories know that Irene Adler is the only woman that Sherlock Holmes ever had developed…
