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Birth
Stephen Toulmin was an immensely respected and renowned philosopher and scholar whose birth in London, England, on March 25, 1922, coincided with an era of significant societal upheaval and transformation following the conclusion of World War I (Eemeren). Eemeren, Frans van. Stephen Toulmin, 12 Nov. 1997, www.john-adams.nl/stephen-toulmin/. -
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World War 2
During World War II, he served as an officer for the Ministry of Aircraft Production. This profoundly influenced his perspective and ultimately fueled his intellectual pursuits in philosophy. His experiences during this time contributed significantly to his later contributions to the field of philosophy (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
Bachelor's Degree
Stephen Toulmin, successfully completed his undergraduate studies at the renowned King's College in Cambridge in the year 1943. His time at King's College has provided a solid base for his future achievements and significant contributions to the field of philosophy (Johnson). Johnson, Pamela J. In Memoriam: Stephen E. Toulmin, 87, 8 Dec. 2009, dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/in-memoriam-stephen-e-toulmin-87/. -
Doctor of Philosophy
Stephen Toulmin was a highly respected philosopher who obtained his Ph.D. and made remarkable contributions to the field. Undoubtedly, his experiences during World War II played a significant role in shaping his intellectual pursuits (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
Examination of the Place of Reason in Ethics.
In his work, he examined the place of reason in ethics. He argued that ethical reasoning is not a matter of applying universal principles or rules but rather a process of weighing different values and considerations in specific contexts (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
Philosophy of Science
Stephen Toulmin made significant contributions to the field of philosophy of science. He believed science was not a purely objective pursuit but a social practice influenced by cultural and historical factors. Toulmin's idea challenged traditional views on the nature of science and sparked debates within the field (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
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Lecturer at Oxford University
He lectured at Oxford University and examined the role of reason in ethics. He emphasized that ethical reasoning involves weighing different values and considerations in specific contexts rather than applying universal principles or rules (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
The Uses of Argument
The Uses of Argument theory has many uses, including analyzing and evaluating arguments in various contexts. Argument theory can help individuals develop critical thinking skills and effectively communicate their ideas and perspectives (Fromm). Fromm, Harold. “Stephen Toulmin’s Postmodernism.” The Hudson Review, vol. 43, no. 4, 1991, pp. 654–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3852198. Accessed 25 June 2023. -
Arrival to the United States
Professor Toulmin came to the United States in 1959, where he held professorships at Columbia, Dartmouth, Michigan State, Northwestern, Stanford and the University of Chicago (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Foresight and Understanding
Stephen Toulmin's published the book "Foresight and Understanding." Toulmin demonstrates the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. He argues that understanding of the world is always provisional and subject to revision and that we must be willing to challenge our assumptions and beliefs to make progress (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Short Return to Britain
In the year 1960, Toulmin made a short visit back to his homeland, the United Kingdom, to take on the role of director for the Unit for the History of Ideas at the Nuffield Foundation. This position afforded him the opportunity to delve further into his passion studying the development of ideas throughout history (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
The Discovery of Time
His work focused on the discovery of time and its implications on our understanding of the universe. Toulmin believed that time is not a fixed but a fluid and dynamic one. He argued that various factors, including our cultural beliefs, personal experiences, and scientific discoveries, shape our perception of time (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Physical Reality
Toulmin's work recognizes the role that physical reality plays in shaping perceptions and experiences and highlights the need for us to approach the world with a critical and reflective attitude that recognizes the complex interplay between our perceptions, experiences and the physical reality that surrounds us (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Human Understanding: The Collective Use and Evolution of Concepts
This book explores the unforeseen implications of progress and reason associated with modernity. The reading delves into understanding the evolving nature of concepts and the impact of collective human usage on their evolution (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Knowing and Acting
Social thought stresses recognizing how our beliefs shape our actions. Fairness, reason, and respectful dialogue are key in making informed and ethical decisions. We have a responsibility to act justly and promote equality. Toulmin's social thought stresses recognizing how our beliefs shape actions. Fairness, reason, and respectful dialogue are key in making informed and ethical decisions. We have a responsibility to act justly and promote equality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWnEbMZ0IaA -
Cosmopolis: The Hidden Agenda of Modernity (1990)
Toulmin published "The Hidden Agenda of Modernity."
He suggests that modernity has a hidden agenda driven, and unintended consequences. Concluding modernity is driven by a hidden agenda. This agenda is fueled by a desire for progress and a belief in the power of reason (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
The Abuse of Casuistry: A History of Moral Reasoning
Toulmin published The Abuse of Casuistry, a book about how people have used tricky reasoning to justify lousy behavior throughout history. The book warns against using clever reasoning to get away with doing wrong. True morality is about being compassionate, empathetic, and having integrity (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Return to Reason
Return to reason theory was designed around facing difficult situations. It involves taking a step back, objectively analyzing the situation using logic and critical thinking. This eliminates making impulsive decisions based on emotions or biases and instead make informed choices grounded in reason and evidence (Luce). Luce, Henry R. Stephen Toulmin, 14 May 2004, www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/luminaries-lecture-series/belmont-report-25th-anniversary-interview-stoulmin/index.html. -
Death
He died 4 December 2009 in Los Angeles. Toulmin's work on argument structure and the role of warrants in reasoning has significantly impacted the way we approach argumentation today. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence scholars and thinkers for years (Johnson). Johnson, Pamela J. In Memoriam: Stephen E. Toulmin, 87, 8 Dec. 2009, dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/in-memoriam-stephen-e-toulmin-87/.