Rogerian Argument
nathan1120
rogerian_argument.ppt80/20 rule
- Generally, about 80% of your paper should be your own words, beliefs, opinions, etc. About 20% should come from outside sources.
- These sources are used for you to argue against (like in the last essay) or more often to back up your points.
Already talked about the traditional argument
Rogerian Argument
- Named after American Psychologists Carl Rogers
How it differs from a traditional argument
- Based more on negotiation than confrontation
- Realizes there are many situations in which a less confrontational and less adversarial approach to argument is more effective
- Reduces conflict
- Especially effective for arguments that are highly charged emotionally
How it differs continued . . .
- Uses logic and evidence, but the primary goal is not to win. It is to open up lines of communication.
- As Rogers says, “This procedure gradually achieves a mutual communication. Mutual communication tends to be pointed toward solving a problem rather than attacking a person or group.”
Cont . . .
- Rather than working toward a change in one position, it works toward a change in both positions.
The Basics
- Avoids a confrontational stance.
- The idea here is that threat hinders communication, so we try to avoid it.
Character
- Present yourself as someone who can understand and empathize with the opposition.
- You can show this by restating the opposing position accurately. (Same as a traditional argument). You can also show where and in what circumstances the opposition’s point of view is valid.
Establish Common Ground
- You indicate the beliefs and values you share with the opposition.
Fair statement of you own position
- State your position convincingly, but maintain an image of being fair-minded.
- The goal is to get the opposition to understand your position as well as you have proven to understand theirs.
Be willing to change views
- Show where your position is not reasonable and could be modified as well as where the opposition’s position could be modified.
Compromise
In other words . . .
- Your goal is to find a compromise that works for both parties.
In the real world . . .
- You’ll probably find that this type of argument works best in many situations. Especially work situations where you have to come to a decision on something as a group.
- It’s okay to compromise, but to try to give up less than the opposition.
