In chapter 10, we learned about the term refutation. Refutation is the process in which someone criticizes another person’s claim by saying its wrong within some context. In the book, the author states that refutation is a destructive thing for arguments. But I think refutation is a good use for arguments. All arguments have refutation I think bc everyone disputes or say the opposer’s side of the argument is wrong at one point. In the chapter, it talks about the process you should go through before you refute. I think this is very valuable because it makes you think before refuting. It helps with making your refutation a positive one rather than a negative one. In overall, refutation can be constructive to any argument if the process before is completed.
Chapter five focuses primarily on identifying and developing propositions for problems that people think are relevant. It goes over 6 steps for choosing a valid proposition based on a perceived “feeling of doubt.” While all six steps may not be necessary, the collectively ensure a well thought out and firm proposition. The six steps include identifying the question, surveying implicated objectives (or understanding what is the goal accomplishment in regard to the question), searching for new information, considering alternative options, considering costs and risks of each potential proposition, and then finally choosing one of the propositions. The authors then go on to talk about analyzing and strengthening the proposition chosen. This includes identification and ranking of the issues that the proposition addresses as well as understanding how the decision makers will react to these issues and propositions. In general, with all these methods of critically analyzing the proposition, ...
Hey Eric,
ReplyDeleteI liked your take on refutation, I thought that part about the process of refutation was really interesting because I had never learned that or never heard anyone discuss that before! I agree that this is a very valuable process, and it makes you consider all of your options and all of the alternative things you can say before you potentially rudley or abruptly refute someone's point. A big factor in whether your refutation of their arguments will be successful or not depends on if it's a positive or negative sounding statement. If you're genuine and inviting more ensuing conversation, the refutation was a positive one, but if you're demeaning and shut down their ideas then the refutation will have been a negative one. I also agree with you when you say refutation is a good thing to use in arguments, especially academic or political arguments, you can't just accept whatever people say to be fact, there has to be some push back otherwise you will just follow whatever the loudest voice in the room says.