Argument by Association: On the Transmissibility of Commitment in Public Political Arguments

Abstract In this paper, I examine the question of commitment transmissibility in public political arguments. explore idea that under certain conditions, arguers become accountable for commitments their “argumentative associates” (Mohammed 2019a). present cases where make discursive effort to distance themselves from an undesirable associate order avoid acquiring associate’s commitments, as well fail do so and face consequences. discuss concept argumentation (e.g. Hamblin 1970, Walton & Krabbe 1995), build on scheme guilt honour by association (Groarke Tindale 2004). The result is a nuanced normative view arguments association: between argumentative associates way hold potential 2019b; see also Kjeldsen 2017; Serafis 2022) discourse, yet, remains defeasible over-attribution association.