Argument – Reasoned thinking

Thesis/Claim – What an argument attempts to prove

Reason – Sentence telling why the claim should be accepted as true

“Arguments … need to be supported with evidence, facts, examples, expert testimony, and so on.” It will be important to remember this. Solid arguments are harder to find in the digital age where many people do not fact check what they share on social media platforms.

Rhetoric – The art of effective persuasion (Invented 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece)

How to appeal to an audience? Through reasoned thinking, logic, logos, ethos, and pathos.

Everything Bad is Good for You – Steven Johnson argues that video games are not mindless activities. He brings attention to other things that humans do that are a sort of exercise for the brain. He appeals to his audience using logic, and comparing video games to acceptable activities such as learning algebra or going to the gym. Using the gym as an appeal could be considered emotional because of how personally people take their physical health and well being.

Responsible reasoning will create a responsible argument.

Four Criteria of Responsible Reasoning

Fighting Words: Why Our Public Discourses Must Change by Kelby Carlson

Thesis/Claim: Americans have always loved to argue.

Examples of logic: The author recalls the Lincoln-Douglas debates from 1860 and how Americans were divided by the subject of slavery. These debates were held publicly and showed that both candidates had very good rhetorical skills.

Examples of ethos: The author brings up an amendment that would require health insurance to cover contraceptives. People take their religion very seriously, and hold it very near and dear. Many use religion as their moral compass, their way of deciding what is right and wrong. This amendment caused a huge divide among religious organizations and every day citizens.

Example of pathos: In the conclusion the author attempts to offer “personal” advice as to how Americans can begin to change this type of logic. Most everyone seeks kindness and respect from others and this can be vital when arguing but often forgotten. “Assuming benevolent, rather than malicious.”

Rush Limbaugh referring to Sandra Fluke as a “slut” and a “prostitute” is a perfect example of irresponsible arguer. He refused to even consider why Sandra would want birth control to be covered by insurance companies. He then proceeded to ignorantly vent his personal (and uneducated) opinion on that matter causing backlash from the community.

The platform for argument has changed. With the invention of television, arguments became less about the spoken word and more about catchy graphics.

Kelby Carlson attempts to persuade readers that Americans love arguing, and always have. I believe this to be true but Carlson also brought to my attention the fact that arguing today is not what it used to be, especially before the creation of television. Carlson used logic and concrete facts to present the reader with what they need to form their own opinion about the claim. I’ll admit, I’m convinced.

Important! “The responsible reasoners do not argue just to argue, rather, they use argument to accomplish something; to inquire into a question, problem, or issue (commonly part of the research process); to convince their readers to asses an opinion, or claim; to persuade readers to take action, such as buying a product or voting for a candidate; and to mediate conflict.”

Inquire – Using reasoning to determine the best position on an issue. Helps to form opinions, question opinions we already have, and reason our way through conflict.

Conviction – An earned opinion, achieved through careful thought, research, and discussion.

Persuasion – Attempts to influence not just thinking but also behavior.

Mediation is usually at the end of an argument. “Agreeing to disagree” doesn’t work. More so comping to a happy middle and a good compromise for both parties.