HW1/16

Aims of argument pg. 3-15 notes

What is Argument?

An argument is defined as a reasoned thinking
A claim is called a thesis because what the argument wants to prove
A reason is a sentence stating why the claim would be true
For an argument to be convincing it needs supported evidence, facts, examples, etc. to support the reasons

What is rhetoric?

Rhetoric is commonly used negatively today. It’s used to describe the empty promises in political speeches
Rhetoric is a positive way would be described as the art of effective persuasion
In addition to reasoning, Greeks called this the appeal through logos, a speaker could also persuade by Ethos.
Today rhetoric has become broadly defined to include any kind of communication or symbol that has the potential to influence people

An example of Argument

Arguing responsibly

Everyone argues all the time
We also hear arguments everywhere around us
People tend to approve of arguments that go with their opinions and don’t talk about what they don’t like
Responsible arguments can be forceful but never are rude or insult the opposite

Four criteria of responsible reasoning

Responsible reasoning is well informed
o A person must support their opinions with reliable evidence
o The more we know about a topic the harder it is to be dogmatic and opposing to the other side
Open to constructive criticism from others
o The ability to change our minds when good reasons are presented is how to take constructive criticism.
o Popular argumentation and responsible reasoning are alike.
Considers the audience
o Sometimes nothing in an argument change’s anything
 This is because people don’t listen to each other
o To argue persuasively, we have to respect other people’s opinions
Understand an argument’s contexts
o We have to know what people are saying to make our own reasoning relevant

Fighting words: Why our public discourse must change

Americans have loved to argue for a long time
Today’s arguing is quite different to before. This is because of technology
Tv has completely changed the way discourse has been conducted
Social media has had a negative and positive effects on the trends of how discourse is conducted
There is not just one solution to fix this issue

What are the Aims of argument

We don’t argue just to argue, rather to accomplish something by having their own opinions

Arguing to inquire

Arguing to convince

Conviction is defined as an earned opinion through research and discussion
This centers on making a case, backed up by reasons and evidence to support an opinion

Arguing to persuade

Arguing to mediate

Mediation is the attempt to convince an opponent to settle a conflict thier way
Parties involved try to work out the conflict themselves because they want to preserve the relationship’s they have
Mediation requires logic and clear presentation of positions and reasons

Comparing the Aims of Argument