Application of Generalized Argumentation in the Context of Chinese Doctor-patient Communication—An Argument Recognition Mixed with Statistical Approach
Studies in Logic, Vol. 18, No. 6 (2025): 88–103 PII: 16743202(2025)06008816
Niu Ju, Yanjin Chen
Abstract. This study aims to reveal the prototypical argumentative patterns employed in situations where patient distrust arises in China. Based on the quantitative analysis of data from a general social survey, we focus on a distinctive phenomenon that while a majority of Chinese respondents trust the medical profession as a whole, significant distrust exists toward doctors’ skills and ethics, particularly among older, urban, and higher-income populations. Qualitatively, we employ Generalized Argumentation Theory to analyze Chinese clinical dialogues, identifying three kinds of prototypical argumentative patterns in situations of patient distrust. Methodologically, this article shows the value of combining statistical analysis with goal-oriented Generalized Argumentation research to reconcile the tricky trust phenomenon of Chinese doctor-patient communication.