The text delves into various approaches to argumentation and rhetoric as outlined by Annette T. Rottenberg and Donna Haisty Winchell. It explores the Rogerian argument, which emphasizes finding common ground between emotionally involved parties with differing opinions.
Works Cited
Rottenberg, Annette T. and Donna
Haisty Winchell. "Chapter 1:
Approaches to Argument." Elements
of Argument: A Text and Reader.
Eds. Rottenberg, Annette T. and
Donna Hasity Winchell. 11th ed.
Boston, Ma: Bedford/St. Martins,
2015. 3-28.
Assumption that is a broader idea than the claim. Warrant is proven by the evidence and can be stated or unstated.
Credibility of the arguer which helps to persuade the audience
- Aristotle thought ethos to be "the most important element." (Rottenberg 7)
- Audience trusts the arguer when the arguer is intelligent, trustworthy, credible.
Logos
The logic (evidence, proof) of an argument
- Enthymeme: takes major premise (broad fact) and minor premise (more precise fact on same topic) to come to a conclusion.
Pathos
Writer's appeal to the audiences emotions.
- Most effective emotional appeals are pity
and fear.
- "An argument hits home when it hits close
to home." (Rottenberg 8)
Subtopic
Rogerian Argument
(Audience-Subject
Relationship)
Carl Rogers----->
Common Ground
"The test of the writer's ethos, or ethics, is how fairly she sums up her opponent's views." (Rottenberg 20)
How to achieve a Common Ground
1. State topic of argument
2. Acknowledge both sides of the
argument
3. Explain your side of the issue
without creating controversy
4. Share common interests and
differences
5. Suggest compromise/common
ground
Involves emotionally involved writer and audience that have different opinions on an important topic.
Toulmin Model
(Writer-Audience-
Subject Relationship)
<---- Stephen Toulmin
Warrant
Support
The way the writer convinces the audience that his claim is correct.
- Writer uses evidence like statistics and testimonies
- Writer uses motivational and emotional appeals
Claim
Claims of policy
- "assert that specific policies should be instituted as solutions to problems." (Rottenberg 25)
Claims of value
- "attempt to prove that some things are more or less desirable than others." (Rottenberg 25)
Claims of Fact
- claim that uses undeniable facts that
that the audience cannot argue against
