HW 8/29

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  • The Aims of Argument is based on two related concepts: argument and rhetoric.
  • Argument is defined as reasoned thinking.
  • Essence of an argument is a claim also defined as a thesis because it is what an argument attempts to prove, and a reason that supports the claim.
  • A reason is a sentence telling why the claim should be accepted as true.
  • Claim: Video games are intellectually stimulating.
  • Reason: Video games force players to weigh evidence, analyze situations, and quickly make correct decisions.
  • Reasons need to be supported with evidence, facts, examples, expert testimony, and so on.
  • Rhetoric is defined as the art of effective persuasion.
  • Ancient Greece was when rhetoric was invented about 2,500 years ago.
  • Rhetoric is used in many ways besides speech, any kind of communication, or symbol that has the potential to influence people.
  • Responsible Argument is used to distinguish those that show responsible reasoning from those that show poor, or carless, reasoning.
  • The four criteria of responsible reasoning is: 1.Responsible reasoners are well-informed. 2. Responsible reasoners are self-critical and open to constructive criticism from others. 3. Responsible reasoners argue with their audiences or readers in mind. 4. Responsible reasoners know their arguments contexts.
  • Responsible reasoners instead of just trying to argue they try to inquire into a question, problem, or issue to convince their readers to assent to an opinion or claim, to persuade readers to take action, and to mediate conflict.
  • Conviction is defined as an earned opinion achieved through careful thought research and discussion.
  • Persuasion attempts to influence not just thinking but also behavior.
  • Inquiry: Purpose is to seek truth. Audience is towards oneself, friends, and colleagues. Situation is informal; a dialogue. Method is used for questions.
  • Convincing: Purpose is to seek assent to a thesis. Audience is towards less intimate; wants careful reasoning. Situation is more formal; a monologue. Method is to make or develop a case.
  • Persuading: Purpose is to seek action. Audience is for more broadly public, less academic. Situation is pressing need for a decision. The method used to appeal to reasoning and emotions.
  • Mediating: Purpose is to seek consensus. Audience is polarized by differences. ituation is the need to cooperate, preserve relations. Method is “Give-and-take.”

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