Scheme, Schema, Schematization

SCHEME – SCHEMATIZATION

1. Scheme (schema)

In general language, as a scheme, a schema is « a graphic sketch or outline » (MW);
a « diagrammatic representation » (after MW). In argumentation:

  • The words scheme, schema are used with this general meaning to refer to any kind of diagram used to represent and clarify the structure of an argumentative phenomenon, see convergent argumentation scheme/schema, etc.
    Toulmin’s “layout of argument” is also known as “Toulmin’s scheme/schema” or “Toulmin argument pattern” (TAP).
  • An argument scheme (pattern) is an abstract or generic representation of a set of concrete argumentations (enthymemes) that share the same structure (scheme).
    The term is an unambiguous equivalent of the shorter classical term, topos (pl. topoi).

2. Schematization

In common parlance, to schematize is «  to express or represent schematically » (after MW). In argumentation, Grize’s natural logic gives a special meaning to schematization to denote the product of the linguistic and cognitive operations by which a speaker gives a linguistic expression to his experiences, opinions, and so on.

In this sense, schematization is similar to elocutio in classical argumentative rhetoric (§3.3).