The expression argument has two meanings in scholarly writing. First, it means a composition that takes a position on one side of a divisive issue. You might write an argument against the death penalty, or for or against censorship of pornography. But argument has another meaning, too. It means an essay that, simply, argues a point. You might assemble an argument about the significance of ancestor myths in a certain aborigine culture, or you might write an argument defending your understanding of any poem or essay that is read in your philosophy class. (Winthrop University) You are not necessarily taking one side of a divisive issue, but you are required to defend your points with credible evidence. You are taking a position. In a sense, then, an argument is another word for a thesis. An argument needs to be narrow enough for you to support in the length of essay assigned. Typically, we think of winners and losers of arguments. Our practice of argument goes back to traditional Greece when speakers tried to influence fellow voters in the early democratic debates over guiding principles. (Kiefer) Building on this ritual of pro and con, our legal system goes even further to put emphasis on the adversarial nature of many arguments. But arguments don't always have to believe that readers make a yes/no, innocent/guilty, on/off decision. Many arguments build toward compromise. An approach most authors don't describe is called Rogerian argument. Rogerian expression was introduced by Young, Becker and Pike in their 1970 textbook, Rhetoric: Discovery and Change. (Brent) Traditional rhetoric, Young, Becker and Pike asserted, assumes an adversarial affiliation in which the speaker uses modes of influence to break down the audience's oppositi...
... middle of paper ...
...to a jury. But classical arguments do not work as well in situations where a loving, congenial or even friendly relationship needs to be maintained. So, again, Rogerian argumentation can be thought of as a “kinder, gentler” way to argue—and one that may often serve you well.
Bibliography
Boeree, C. George, Dr. "Personality Theories." 1998. Shippensburg University. 27 July 2011 .
Brent, Douglas. "Rogerian Rhetoric: An Alternative To Traditional Rhetoric." Argument Revisted, Argument Redefined: Negotiating Meaning in the Composition Classroom (1996): 73-96.
Kiefer, Kate. "What is Rogerian Argument?" 1993-2011. Colorado State University. 3 August 2011.
Rogers, C. R., and D. Ryback. "One Alternative to Planetary Suicide." The Consulting Psychologist (1984): 35-54.
Winthrop University. "Rogerian Argumentation." 2000. Winthrop . 4 August 2011.
The Rogerian model is a diplomatic mode of argumentation that can be used in writing to present a problem and offer a solution to a specific issue. When reading an essay that follows the Rogerian outline, it is easier to understand what the writer is trying to persuade and argue, because it states the problem and shows why the issue needs to be addressed. Then it proposes the opponent's position and validates grants whatever validity the writer finds in the opposition's perspective. For example, the writer may acknowledge certain situations in which the opponent's position can be acceptable. The Rogerian outline could be helpful and used to enhance an argument. A writer might argue that extreme parenting is counterproductive for a child, because
Summary – In an argument you are attempting in persuasion to change the audience’s mood, mind or their willingness to act. In a fight you are focused on beating your opponent rather than winning over the audience. It is important when in the midst of an argument you know exactly what you want by the end of it.
When I first encountered the word argument in this chapter I thought that I would be informed on what an argument is and how to construct an argument in an essay. After reading the chapter I think arguments much more than creating diversity over a topic. Also, it is much more than making a claim. There are many different styles and ways to present an argument.
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education, 2012. Print.
Throughout history arguments and debate have been used to decide the fate of kingdoms, challenge a ruler’s authority or even decided where homes would be built. Without arguments our world would be bland and nothing like it is today. Being able to form a well built argument and use it properly is known as rhetoric. Ancient Romans and Greeks considered rhetoric to be one of the most important skills for students. Even today rhetoric is considered a great feat for all scholars. Two great men who were able to use rhetoric and excel at using it were Cicero and Machiavelli. They both argued in some of their most famous works that at times injustice was defendable. Cicero did this in his piece called The Defense of Injustice. Machiavelli did this in his work called The Prince. Each of these men was from completely different times in history, yet both were able to use rhetoric to help make people support their argument. Although rhetoric has many rules and many different formats one of the most well know and organized format is known as the Toulmin method. With the two pieces of work and using Toulmin’s method of rhetoric we can evaluate and discover who makes the best argument and why.
Rottenberg, Annette T., and Donna Haisty. Winchell. The Structure of Argument. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2009. Print.
In his essay entitled “The Rhetorical Stance,” Wayne Booth describes how rhetorical stance is imperative for good writing. I agree with Booth that by using rhetoric stance in our writing we can produce and powerful and well-written argument. How then do we know if we are using the art of rhetoric in our writing? According to Booth, “Rhetoric is the art of finding and employing the most effective means of persuasion on any subject, considered independently of intellectual mastery of that subject" (199). In making this comment Booth urges us to be knowledgeable on the subject we are writing about and use passion and emotional appeals to strengthen our argument. Booth gives his readers a good explanation of what the word means and how it is portrayed in essays.
The ultimate goal of an argument is to examine our own ideas as well as others. Arguments revolving around the past, present, and future can be presented in any form. Articles of forensic argument, for example, deliberate the past and what happened leading to questions as to why this happened, or what should have been. Articles regarding the present hold many problems people will debate on and set ways for the future. Arguments of how to bring about a worthier and more flourishing future will be disputed in deliberative arguments. Argumentation is everywhere.
Crusius, Timothy W., and Carolyn E. Channell. The Aims of Argument: A Text and Reader. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2003. Print.
For most writers, we must know the different types of argumentation styles along with logical fallacies. There are three main types of argumentation styles including: Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin. All three styles have their own argumentation spin on arguments. Aristotelian refutes the opposing claim while at the same time promoting its own argument by using supporting evidence. Some of that evidence includes using rhetorical appeals such as ethos, logos, and pathos. A Rogerian arguments are the arguments that find the common ground in order for an effective argument. Last but not least there is the Toulmin argument, the Toulmin argument is similar to the Aristotelian argument yet instead of appealing to the audience Toulmin focuses
Olson, Annie. “An Introduction to Rhetoric.” Le Tourneau U, May 2006. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.
* The Aims of Argument. 4th ed Ed.Timothy W. Crusius and Carolyn E. Channell. New York:McGraw Hill,2003, 352-355.
One of the elements of the Rogerian argument is cooperation. There will always be disagreements among people, especially within the United States Government and between politicians, this is more apparent now than ever. If people could all agree to disagree and find a middle ground in which they all get some of what they want and some of what they don’t want, life would be much easier. Unfortunately there are people that are so stubborn they truly believe that their way, or their ideas are the only answer and will not budge an inch when offered a compromise from his or her opponents. An example of this is when the Republicans and Democrats could not agree to a compromise on the budget and the United States government shut down last year. If they would have had a willingness to cooperate with each other and give accredited validation to both sides of the issue, the shutdown could have been avoided.
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." This quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton rings true when taking into consideration any domestic argument. Debating is a method used to argue a topic between individuals or team members. Generally debating is used to maintain order while the opposed argue. Here are some helpful guidelines for the preparation of a three aside parliamentary style debate.
Shea, Renee, Lawrence Scanlon, and Robin Scanlon. The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 2013. 525-529,546-551. Print.