Pages 3-15
- pg.3- Argument should not be thought of as heated verbal conflict but instead reasoned thinking which can be used in daily life.
- pg.4- Arguments should be backed up with facts and evidence. Rhetorical speech is the art of effective persuasion.
- pg.7- One should argue responsibly by distinguishing between good and bad arguments. One should have an open mind toward other’s arguments and not only listen to the arguments we immediately agree with.
- pg.9- Responsible reasoning is when we can take a step back from our views and see if they are justified, factual, and make sense. Simply continuing to believe something because we have done so our entire life or because we do not wish to be viewed as weak for changing our minds, is not responsible reasoning.
- pg.12- It is immensely important to remain civil in our arguments towards those to whom one disagrees with because insults and aggressiveness do not help one’s argument but instead, turns people away and hardens them to one’s view. Instead of having “fighting words” one should show compassion and empathy in real issues and effective ways to solve them.
- pg.13- Inquiry is an important tool to find out the facts and questions you might have on any given topic. After inquiry, one comes to a conviction or conclusion based on the facts and research obtained in the inquiry.
- pg.14- Persuasion attempts to earn agreement just like convincing however, it is different in that it attempts to influence behavior as a result of its claims. One uses meditation when convincing has failed but both sides must come to an agreement. In meditation, both parties work out the conflict by exchanging viewpoints and information to conclude.
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