In chapter 2, the authors express how understanding the way arguments will be evaluated can strengthen your argument. Additionally, when evaluating an argument it is important to understand relevant criteria in order to make better decisions. Arguments arise either from criteria we already have in mind or from criteria that might emerge in our minds during an argument. For example, the way one makes claims has a lot to do with criteria that have been established due to social norms and other forces like education background. In other words, the way we construct our arguments are influenced by our own judgements that we establish over time or from feelings that might become relevant while arguing. On page 30, it is discussed how a reasonable and influential argument must be one which claims and support align with the criteria of the decision makers. Although argumentation is a “distinct dimension of persuasion”, the methods used to construct an argument differ from other forms of persuasion (pg. 31). Moreover, argumentation enhances the way individuals make decisions by following constructed criteria that allows for the best outcomes. There are concepts that trigger an argumentative interaction including language interpretation strategies, facts, presumptions, possibilities, and commonplace. I would agree with the statement made by the authors that language and shared interpretation strategies are crucial when engaging in an argument since what is being communicated should be understood. For example, individuals in a different country can construct messages differently than we do in the United States. The way they translate certain words might not align with what they are actually trying to say. In order to participate in a valuable argumentation interaction it is important that the individuals involved are communicating in mutual terms. If these language barriers are not addressed and overcome, then there is a higher possibility of miscommunication occurring and unfavorable decisions being made.
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, ...
I definitely agree with you about the statement from the authors about how crucial it is to share mutual terms and ideals. I personally am bilingual and can speak Spanish and English and for awhile worked in a restaurant, where most if not all of the cooks spoke Spanish as a first-language. There was definite disconnect between the managers and other employees that couldn't speak Spanish, and the rest of the kitchen staff. Like you stated at the very end, this often led to misccomunication and errors in dishes and sometimes unhappy customers. It is essential to get people to be on the same page as you, and understanding the same points you understand, as you understand them. This is a crucial piece in argumentation, because the social norms and education practices where this individual are from, may be different that what you or I experienced growing up. Overall there wasn't anything I would've changed up too much on the post, well done!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with what you bring up regarding the importance of good and understandable communication between parties in order for an argument to have a good outcome. Language barriers, like the example you stated about understanding messages differently when something might be translated, is the perfect example to explain why it is so important to have these language interpretations that make complete sense to both parties of the argument. I also agree with the fact that language interpretation, as the authors state in the textbook, is a crucial part of engaging in argumentation. If both parties do not understand each other clearly enough, there will be a huge disconnect in the way they communicate and therefore will highly impact the way they argue. I think your blog response is great and goes over one of the most important aspects of this chapter, which is what we can do to have reasonable arguments with each other. Communicating in an understandable and clear way is one of the biggest factors that contributes to engaging in good argumentation, and language barriers can definitely impact that in a negative way.
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