Week 5, Discussion Prompt #1: The Positive Purposes of Arguments In preparing for this discussion, you took part in an interactive scenario called “The Graduate.” In the scenario, you got to experience different people presenting different arguments (some of which you may not have liked). We have learned a lot in this course about the meaning of an argument and what constitutes a good argument. This discussion allows us to discuss more positive things that we can learn from “arguing” in the right way. Prepare: To prepare for this discussion, watch the following video from Daniel H. Cohen [Link here to (Links to an external site.)] and review section 9.4 of Chapter 9 called “Confronting Disagreement by Seeking Truth.” Take a look as well at the required resources from this week and make sure that you have completed “The Graduate” interactive scenario.
Reflect: Think about experiences you have had that involved conflicts with others. What was the genesis of the conflict? Would it have been possible for the exchange to be more productive? Think about why disagreements often lead to fights rather than opportunities to learn from each other. Write: Answer the following questions: What is an area of life in which you have experienced people treating arguments as a kind of war? What were the consequences of that approach? What is an area of life in which you have experienced people treating arguments as a kind of performance? Was that approach effective? Why is it better to treat arguments as a venue for learning? What traits of character does it require to be able to live according to that approach? What benefits can it have in our lives to take that approach? (please give a specific example)
Paper For Above instruction
Throughout my personal experiences and observations, I have seen arguments often misused as a tool for conflict rather than avenues for understanding or growth. One particular area where arguments are frequently treated as a form of war is in political debates. During heated political discussions, individuals often perceive disagreement as a battle to be won rather than an opportunity for mutual understanding. This approach leads to entrenched positions, hostility, and a breakdown in communication. The consequences of such combative attitudes include increased polarization, diminished willingness to compromise, and a general erosion of civic dialogue. The focus shifts from seeking truth or common ground to defeating the opponent, which stifles meaningful conversation and learning (Cohen, 2021). Conversely, I have observed instances—particularly in academic or professional settings—where people
treat arguments as a performance. In these contexts, individuals often craft compelling arguments not necessarily to discover the truth but to impress others or dominate a debate. While this can sometimes be effective in showcasing intellect or persuasive skills, it often detracts from genuine understanding, as the goal becomes winning rather than learning. This approach may yield short-term advantages, such as recognition or influence, but it fails to promote authentic growth or resolution (Tannen, 2013). Treating arguments as venues for learning rather than war or performance requires traits like humility, openness, and a genuine curiosity to understand differing perspectives. It demands active listening, patience, and a willingness to accept that one might be wrong or incomplete in their viewpoint (Ryan & Deci, 2017).
Embracing this approach can foster mutual respect, reduce hostility, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving. For example, in a workplace conflict over project responsibilities, adopting a learning-oriented argument style led to a more effective resolution, as team members shared their concerns openly and sought solutions that prioritized the project’s success over individual victories. Overall, viewing arguments as opportunities for learning enhances personal growth, improves relationships, and facilitates more constructive societal discourse. By shifting the focus from combat to curiosity, individuals can develop better communication skills and a more empathetic understanding of others.
References
Cohen, D. H. (2021).
Confronting Disagreement by Seeking Truth.
In Chapter 9, Section 9.4.
Tannen, D. (2013).
The Argument Culture: Moving from Debate to Dialogue.
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Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017).
Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. Guilford Publications.
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Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books.