Abstract

Semantically coherent and functionally independent argumentative complexes in a text are called units of argumentation. A unit is a complex of composites performing argumentative functions--elements of argumentation. Functions are only established at the level of their unit. From an enthymematic point of view, the composition of a unit can be minimal, nominal and maximal, these having to do with primary and secondary functions. From an argumentation textual composition angle, a step and a move of a rgumentation are distinguished. A step corresponds to a unit. A move is composed of steps. Steps function as grounds at the textual level.