Abstract

Objectives: This discussion, through study and analysis, delves into the discourse of justification in accordance with the theory of linguistic argumentation and from the perspective of critical discourse analysis. It achieves this by scrutinizing the argumentative structure of discourse and elucidating the paramount argumentative strategies it encompasses. Subsequently, it undertakes an analysis of the discursive content, interpreting it in accordance with the philosophy of critical discourse analysis, which endeavors to unveil the excesses of power and the attempt to establish dominance through discourse, for the purpose of altering convictions, beliefs, or behaviors. This study will take the oration of Abu Ja'far al-Mansur following the assassination of Abu Muslim al-Khorasani as a practical exemplar thereof. Methods: To realize the aforementioned objectives, the study initially adopts the linguistic argumentation analysis of the speech's content, guided by the integrated discourse theory. It subsequently interprets the content from the perspective of critical discourse analysis studies. Conclusions: This study concludes that Abu Ja'far al-Mansur sought to legitimize the incident of the assassination in his discourse delivered following the execution of Abu Muslim al-Khorasani, employing a diverse array of argumentative techniques such as argumentative factors, argumentative links, and the argumentative ladder. These collectively constituted an argumentative and discursive fabric that played a significant role in the legitimation of this homicide incident. Therefore, the researcher underscores the importance of studying linguistic argumentation from the perspective of the philosophy of critical discourse analysis, aiming to expose manifestations of power and dominance in discourse and its role in altering convictions and beliefs.