Abstract

In this work I propose an initial model of argumentative complexity from the theoretical framework of text linguistics. For this purpose, I have explored aspects of both the ability underlying the activity of speaking (the ἐνέργεια) and the product created by this competence (the ἔργον). The work supports the hypothesis that the ability or level of the ἐνέργεια is related to formal argumentative complexity (ἔργον) in many discourses. Broadly, this relationship has been only partially addressed. In order to account the generative capacity (ἐνέργεια), I show some cases of the score in the Tasks in Critical Thinking Test obtained by university students, as well as the product (ἔργον) the same subjects produced. This product, an essay, has been analyzed qualitatively following the procedures of the grounded Theory. The results showed that the subjects with higher scores in the ability of ἐνέργεια produced more intricate essays, in terms of argumentative complexity. This research constitutes an initial endeavor to establish a normative model of the notion of “argumentative complexity”