It's hard to be in an argument when someone's only response is "because". It's hard to go anywhere from that answer and in my opinion is an unfair reason and response. Of course, the reason "because" easily doesn't check off the list of what a good response is but it's an easy response for anyone adult or child to say. They don't have any claim or reason drawn from logic. There's no good story behind the reason. There's no science to it, or feminist theory. And finally there's no Alternative Dispute Resolution.
In fact, it's kind of a buffer, it allows the person to think of whether or not they should say the real reason or that maybe the person won't take the argument any farther with the annoying reason of because. The person doesn't have to make sense of this response, there's no power of authority, moral obligation, listener benefit, or social pressure in this context.
In the end there's no way to test this reason. It's not it's pretty much one voice, not very consistent, there's no starting point, and it's not a complete reason. The reason "because" is just one of those reason's that isn't really a reason but we all use it as one. It's become part of our culture and who we are. It's a reason that we are just going to have to figure out to fight back in a argument or just try not to use it anymore because it's annoying and not fair. It definitely isn't a good reason.
In fact, it's kind of a buffer, it allows the person to think of whether or not they should say the real reason or that maybe the person won't take the argument any farther with the annoying reason of because. The person doesn't have to make sense of this response, there's no power of authority, moral obligation, listener benefit, or social pressure in this context.
In the end there's no way to test this reason. It's not it's pretty much one voice, not very consistent, there's no starting point, and it's not a complete reason. The reason "because" is just one of those reason's that isn't really a reason but we all use it as one. It's become part of our culture and who we are. It's a reason that we are just going to have to figure out to fight back in a argument or just try not to use it anymore because it's annoying and not fair. It definitely isn't a good reason.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading your blog post and found it very easy to relate to. Often times I will be in an argument, whether it be with my brother, parents, or friends, and someone will respond to me saying “because.” So, when I am responded to like this it irritates me because a solution is not reached and often times the argument is unable to progress. I agree with your statement that “because” is more of a buffer in a conversation because it restricts the speaker from sharing their actual emotions in the argument and does not take the argument any farther. Also, I agree with you that “because” is not a good response because there is no logic or reason to the statement.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to all of this, I found your blog post to be an interesting way to create a connection to what we read in chapter 3. Chapter 3 discusses what makes a sensible argument and how good reasoning can help to strengthen an argument. So, I found your blog post to be interesting as it shows what does not make a sensible argument and how “because” does not serve as good reasoning in an argument.