Blog Response to Reading Assignment
In the course of reading the first chapter in our text book Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings, I kept wondering how I would ever be able to write an effective argument without wanting to be totally biased (Ramage, Bean, and Johnson). On more than one occasion I have been known to “argue” my point of view with family, friends, and co-workers, and yes, sometimes it is done with a lot of emotion, you can even say anger has been involved in some of these “arguments.” I come from some pretty stubborn stock as well as some very emotional lineage (on both sides of my family), and for me, winning an argument is the best part of being involved in one in the first place. Trying to persuade someone to my way of thinking is why I argue (this is where the bias comes in).
But as I was reading the first page, I began to realize what I have always considered as arguments, were in fact just heated disagreements which were really not all that pleasurable. Even if an argument I become involved in is with friends and co-workers, I find myself trying to persuade them not by reason and evidence as suggested in the book, but by triggering their emotions on any given subject (2). How a person reacts to my argument is part of the challenge of a good argument, or so I have thought in the past.
As much as I do enjoy a good heated argument, I am realizing that there is more in making a good argument. Being in control of an argument for the purpose of winning is not really the type of argument I will be learning about in this class. Arguments should be about finding the best solution to a problem or issue through a process of rational inquiry (23). If I can learn to argue effectively from this course, I will truly be successful, don’t you think?
Works Cited
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. New York: Longman, 2010.
Winning
ReplyDeleteSherry I found your blog on arguments to be quite amusing. Your personality really came across in the analysis of the argument. Not only do I appreciate your solid sense of humor, I think I may have even picked up on a little sarcasm. I could not agree anymore with the statement: “winning an argument is the best part of being involved in one in the first place.” This is particularly true in my case. I consider myself to have a winning record, and if someone disagrees with me, well what can I say, they are just simply wrong. Much like you, I found that I have been in way more quarrels than I have constructive arguments. I do try to stick to the facts though. One of most frustrating things to me is trying to debate a subject with someone, and they have no factual basis for their beliefs, and refuse to consider any of the facts that you are presenting. I try to give the same courtesy to anyone that I am arguing with. As close-minded and bias as I can be, I can be persuaded with a solid set of facts. It may take a bit, but I usually come around. I usually try to do a little persuading myself, so I can at least chalk the argument up as a draw. I really enjoyed your blog; look forward to the next one.