Abstract

Searching for a middle ground between psychologism and formalism, Toulmin argues that logic is the critical science or art of appraising arguments. Formal logic, by grounding itself upon an analytic conception of validity, is merely a reflection of the classical quest for certainty. But, Toulmin holds, in respect to actual arguments, which, in most fields, are substantial rather than analytic, such a conception is pointless and indicative of a fruitless and problem causing attitude toward the relation between theory and practise.--C. L.