Arguing is something I know that I at least have been doing since a very young age. Whether it was to get a toy I wanted, extend my curfew, or convince someone of my very strong Republican views on politics, arguing has just always been an active part of my life. One may even say that argumentation is a simple aspect of human nature. It is something we have always done and will always do. The problem is, many people do not understand the basis of a good argument. Not just an exchange of heated words that ends in tears or non speaking terms, but rather an exchange of ideas with an open mind that could possibly allow some sort of compromise.
For an argument to be under the best possible conditions it requires a clear issue, an arguer, an audience, common ground, a forum, and audience outcomes. Without an issue, there would no point to the argument. Two arguers are required to present the different sides to an issue, and common ground is needed to allow for some sort of compromise in the end. A forum makes the arguers feel as if they are important and being heard, which in turn usually results in more compelling evidence and creativity in how it is presented. Audience outcomes should occur if the argument was presented well, causing some people to change their opinions on the issue at hand.
Another very important aspect of argumentation is that of removing all emotion. While there are some issues that you just can’t help but get emotional about, those are the ones you should simply steer away from. Emotion has absolutely no business in argumentation or debates and will only hinder your argument and make it look weaker. By simply sticking to fact and fact alone, as long as there is sufficient evidence in support of your side, there is no way you will not be able to accomplish your goal in arguing and have people listen and possibly alter their own opinions in your favor. Facts with always triumph over emotional pleas.
If the issue is too risqué, or there is too much difficulty establishing common ground, arguments are usually bound to fail. If the issue is too large in scale or involves very emotionally centered issues such as religion or relationships, people tend to stay away from them to avoid having to make any life altering decisions or hurt someone’s feelings. Also, if there is no common ground, there is no basis to an argument. The point of argumentation is to come to some sort of compromise in the end. If one party already has their own mind made up, and is not willing to listen with an open mind and come to some sort of middle ground, then the argument will remain just a silly yelling match that will never be resolved. It is important to always come into every argument with an open mind, and be willing to possibly change your own views if your opponent presents evidence you were not previously aware of.
Needless to say, I was very impressed with your article. The introduction was very explanatory, and made for a good transition into the other paragraphs. I liked the topics you discussed in your second paragraph, because you analyzed the basics of argument. It was good that you included the need for a forum, as that is something I would imagine that many people would not think of. The fact that you stated a need for purpose was also powerful. When you talked about emotion, I liked that you said that it needed to be “removed.” I thought this was a very good choice of words, because many simply try to hide emotions, not truly eliminate them. I also thought your last paragraph was well written and thought out. You made a good point by saying that “emotionally centered” issues should be avoided altogether. In general, your article was well written, and you made good use of both personal examples and knowledge from the book.
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