Viewing the study of argumentation as normative pragmatics

In this chapter we explain that the pragma-dialectical approach to argumentation involves at the same time a pragmatic and a critical treatment of argumentative discourse. Starting from the speech act dimension of pragmatics, we indicate for each of the five components of the pragma-dialectical research program what a normative pragmatic approach amounts to. First we discuss the critical conception of reasonableness developed in the philosophical component of the research program, second the model of a critical discussion designed in the theoretical component, third the resolution-oriented analysis of argumentative discourse carried out in the reconstruction component, fourth the qualitative and quantitative research of the pursuit of reasonableness and effectiveness in argumentative discourse conducted in the empirical component, and fifth the development of adequate instruments for the analysis, evaluation and production of argumentative discourse in all sorts of argumentative practices undertaken in the practical component.