Annotation of pgs 3-15
-The word argument has a negative connotation. It’s thought of a heated debate. That is not an accurate depiction of argument. An argument is defined as reasoned thinking
-The essence of an argument = a claim or thesis (what you are trying to prove) and reason (why the claim should be accepted as true)
-No one argues into the air. An audience is needed because an argument is meant to shape people’s opinions.
-Rhetoric was invented 2,500 years ago in Ancient Greece and was referred to as persuasive public speaking (logos, pathos,ethos)
-Rhetoric is the art of argument as responsible reasoning
-develops self awareness of responsible reasoning and effective arguinG
-responsible reasoning: not taking the first position you might take on an issue but the best one. Finding reasons for that position
- Anything thats meaningful to us has the power to influence us
-We are expected to offer reasons for our opinions all of the time and it is quite common. We also hear arguments all the time. From ads, to our friends telling us why they feel a certain way about something
- Lippman – Because the freedom of discussion improves our own opinions, the opinions of others is a vital necessity
-intellegent people distinguish good arguments from bad ones. Regardless of their opinions. People dismiss arguments that don’t align with them
Criteria of responsible reasoning
- opinions develop of knowledge and reliable sources
- balance attachment to their opinion with willingness to evaluate and test them against differing opinions
- make a sincere effort to connect and understand others’ points of view because they don’t see it as an obstacle
- Are aware that what we are arguing has been argued before and will be after us and is shaped by where we come from and our own lives
-Media such as political talk shows are fake arguments.
Aims of argument
-inquiry : seeks truth
convince: seeks assent to thesis
persuade: seeks action
mediate: seeks consensus
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