Description:
Argumentation begins whenever someone asserts something and another person responds, challenging the assertion. And argumentation is a positive force in the world: it is, ultimately, a way to find common ground in a world of differences.
When people refuse to argue their points, everybody loses: the person who retreats from a thoughtful challenge loses the chance to rethink an opinion that may need rethinking; the person who meets the opinions of other people with hostility or indifference loses the chance to understand and learn from other points of view. Ultimately, society loses if arguments fail too often, for the quality of a society depends upon the quality of its conversations.
Think back to a recent argument in which you took part. What was your point? Who was your audience? What was your main aim in arguing? To express your opinion? To convince your audience to agree with your views? To get your audience to take some action? To negotiate a compromise? With the help of this text, you will learn to analyze both verbal and visual arguments and, in turn, to argue more effectively--tailoring your message to fit your particular goal.
Contents:
Preface
Note to Students
PART I. THE AIMS OF ARGUMENT
1. An Overview of Key Terms
What Is Argument?
* How Should We Approach Argument?
What Are the Aims of Argument?
Arguing to Inquire
Arguing to Convince
Arguing to Persuade
Arguing to Negotiate
The Aims of Argument: A Summary
What Is Rhetoric?
2. Reading an Argument
Before You Read
Recalling Prior Knowledge
Considering the Rhetorical Context
As You Read
The First Reading
ANNA QUINDLEN, ?aking the Mosaic?BR> The Second Reading
The Third Reading
After You Read
3. Analyzing an Argument: A Simplified Toulmin Method
A Preliminary Critical Reading
WILLIAM F. MAY, ?ising to the Occasion of Our Death?BR> A Step-by-Step Demonstration of the Toulmin Method
Analyzing the Claim
Analyzing the Reasons
Analyzing the Evidence
Noting Refutations
Summarizing Your Analysis
Student Sample: An Argument for Analysis: AMBER YOUNG, ?apital Punishment: Society's Self-Defense?BR> 4. Preparing to Write: Arguing to Inquire
The Importance of Inquiry
(and more...)