Post-presumption argumentation and the post-truth world: on the conspiracy rhetoric of Donald Trump. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neville-Shepard, Ryan
• Is Part Of: Argumentation and advocacy. Volume 55:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Donald Trump -- presumption -- burden of proof -- conspiracy theory -- post-truth; Forensics (Public speaking) -- Periodicals; Forensics (Public speaking); Periodicals; 808.5105
• DOI: 10.1080/10511431.2019.1603027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-8533

Abstract

Abstract: Building on the notion of post-truth, this essay suggests that Donald Trump—both as a candidate and president—has crafted a notion of post-presumption argumentation. While there are many theories of how presumption functions in argumentation, scholars agree that it is largely a procedural device meant to promote deliberation. The essay suggests that post-presumption argumentation has become a new model—rising partly from a cultural shift triggered by rampant conspiracy theorizing by political and social elites—that undercuts the presumption of veracity, undermines faith in institutions that give presumptions force, and rejects deliberation as a communal goal.