Argumentação e debate: reflexões para uma teoria da discussão segundo Mcburney e Hance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an essay on the work of James H. McBurney and Kenneth G. Hance - Principles, Methods and Technique of Argumentation and Debate, from the original English Discussion in Human Affairs, edited by Harper & Brothers, New York in 1950. The authors draw in this didactic work a clear distinction between the concepts of discussion and debate, approaching their meaning in the context of the English language, in search of solutions and competition between antagonistic opinions. The authors will thus constitute a theory of discussion grounded in the conceptions of research, constructive thinking, criticism and cooperation, without neglecting the importance of the debate, and its conceptions of defense, intentional reasoning, propaganda and competition. At the end of the reading, we can signal to the basic characteristic of the leader-speaker who is to know the subject to be treated and to assume a posture that demonstrates security and coherence.