Chapter One

Argument can appear in a variety of forms: Written Spoken Sung or chanted It can be read or heard Observed in pictures (Still or moving)

Argument can be explicitwith a clear purpose and position. Argument can be implicitimplied through subtle positions that audiences have to think about and figure out.

Arguers create the possibility of agreement by acknowledging different views that are acceptable to most or all audience members.

Traditional Argument: Public debate among candidates for public office or individuals who want to convince their audience to side with them and accept their points. Courtroom argumentlawyers pleading a case before a judge and jury. The desired outcome is that one of them wins. Single perspective argument occurs when one person develops a perspective on an issue and argues to convince a mass audience to agree with this single view. One-on-one, everyday argumentthe person arguing needs to focus on and identify with the other person, think about what the person wants

Consensual Argument Emphasizes agreement Dialecticone type of consensual argument, two or more people participate as equals in a dialogue to try to discover what seems to be the best position on an issue.

Academic inquiry: the purpose is to discover, through reading, discussion, and writing, new views, new knowledge, and new truths about complex issues. Negotiation and mediation are conducted in arenas where people must employ argument to reach consensus on plans of action that solve problems. Internal argument: arguing with oneself when we experience internal conflict.

Under what conditions does argument take place?

An issue An arguer An audience Common ground A forum Audience outcomes

Under what conditions does argument fail?

No disagreement Risky or trivial issues Difficulty in establishing common ground Standoffs or fights that result in negative outcomes.

Distinguish between ethical and unethical argument

Ethical argumentapproaches issues in an insightful, useful, and beneficial ways. Unethical argumentmanipulates the audience and may even harm it. Part of evaluating argument requires reading, listening, looking, and analyzing objectively, without making negative prejudgments. This can be difficult when encountering opinions and values that differ from your own. To help maintain objectivity, be fair and unbiasedgain information and understanding before you respond.

Engaging with Issues The most easily arguable issues are those that invite two or more views. They are perceived by all parties as issues. They are interesting and motivating to all participants.