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Argumentation is an art. It is a way of expressing the depth of our minds, our logic, our feelings with regards to the issues that form the very fabric of our world. As the fortune cookie asserts, arguing is not about beating the other person, rather, it is a journey meant to guide all towards progress and greater enlightenment. With that in mind, all forms of argumentation and persuasion are not created equal. Fallacious arguments such as ad hominems, red herrings, false analogies, and generalizations serve only to damage the beauty of a well-constructed argument. They may seem convincing but falter under any scrutiny. However, a proper mix of ethos, pathos, and logos create a well-balanced argument. Pathos and logos are key part of a good argument. Pathos speaks to those in touch with their emotional side. To this group, emotional stories move them to action and help them to feel motivated towards change and a new opinion. However, some are more logical and require logos to be convinced. For these people, hard facts and logical reasoning can convince them to alter their opinions. It is important, in argumentation, to know your audience, and, often times, it is wise to include both pathos and logos. However, for both, if the speaker has not authority, their words are immediately degraded which is why ethos is so vital.
Today, many people place to much emphasis on images and clever phrases, rather than understanding the value of words. This is a detriment to argumentation because, like literature, it is an art of, sometimes many, words. While images can speak loudly when properly placed in arguments, they are infinitely more effective when accompanied by powerful text. Just as images have altered argumentation, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have led to the degradation of argumentation by reducing it to nothing more than a petty exchange of poorly constructed attacks. While, at times, logical arguments have happened on Facebook and other forums, the vast majority of arguments include hurled insults and accusatory generalizations. Such forms does not promote a journey towards progress.
Argumentation is vital in today's multicultural platform because, while the cultures of the world are continually more diverse, the spaces between us is continually shrinking. Through proper argumentation, we have a platform to examine and learn about other cultures while challenging our own perceptions and cultural practices because not all cultural practices should continue. Through argumentation, we can expand our understanding, not only of cultural practices, but also of how different cultural practices are perceived across the globe. Within a more national context, argumentation is also important to promote the wisest solutions to economic and social problems. While it can be a tool for lobbyists or politicians, it is also an important part of life for the individual peoples to understand what their leaders believe and strive to implement. Sadly, argumentation in national politics has been reduced to bribery and personal favors. In history, however, it has been used to change the world. Consider the American Revolution. It was the eloquent and aptly expressed arguments of the Founding Fathers that helped to create the United States of America.
Many, even great thinkers in history, have criticized rhetoricians; however, how can we determine the validity of certain beliefs and customs without argumentation? How can we challenge perceptions and practices without debate? Persuasion and argumentation are vital parts of communication. They permeate every aspect of life from the food we eat to the places we go. We encounter arguments, engage in persuasion, and examine debates throughout our lives. We are all artists of argumentation. While many are....not particularly good...others have studied and mastered its art. With it, we can create empowering perspectives that challenge the world around us. While I am no master, I would like to consider myself an apprentice, challenged by our class to be sure that my logic is sound and my rebuttals thought out. I would like to consider myself an artist and my arguments a work of art.
