Rogerian Argument paper.
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rogerian_analysissp2015.pptxRogerian Analysis
Life is
about
Compromise
Rogerian = You Win and I Win
Rather than traditional argument, Rogerian argument establishes common ground through shared values and assumptions.
Common ground is established by summarizing and restating the opponent’s position.
Purpose
The Rogerian argument is designed to bring together two opposing views and show where/how they reach common ground.
Once common ground is established, decisions can be made that all parties can agree to.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
Believed in nondirective or client-centered therapy in psychology and clinical therapy situations.
Rogerian viewpoints believes “that the most personal feelings are also the most common and most likely to be understood by others” (Mauk and Metz 537).
Rogers’ Theory
Rogers wrote “Mutual communication tends to be pointed toward solving a problem rather than toward attacking a person or group” (qtd. in Barnet and Bedau 455).
Uses for Rogerian
Sensitive topics
Abortion
Gun Control
Death Penalty
Stem Cell Research/Cloning
Business meetings
Conflict negotiations
Anytime two or more views are in conflict
Emphasis
Great for psychological and emotional arguments
Pathos and ethos emphasized more than logos and strict logic
Disadvantages of Rogerian
You have to be willing to try reaching common ground
Seems like you are giving ground to your opponent.
Writer must be willing to change personal views – a risk to many people.
Advantages to Rogerian
Release tension and disagreement
Encourage negotiation and cooperation
Controls uneven power relationships
According to Barnett and Bedau, Rogerian argument is
Nonconfrontational, collegial, and friendly
Seeks some degree of assent rather than convince utterly.
Rogerian Strategy
Conveys to the reader that he is understood
Delineates the area within which he believes the reader's position to be valid
Induces him to believe that he and the writer share certain moral qualities (Writing Commons)
The Process
Introduction
Introduce the issue and state the opposing position in order to show that you understand it.
Present the problem
Challenge yourself to risk change
Elaborate on the value of opposing positions
Where and under what circumstances is the opposing view valid?
The Process Cont’d.
Describe the context in which your position is valid.
Show how the opposing position would be strengthened if elements from your position were added.
Arrive at an agreeable compromise or reconciliation.
Rogerian Essay
Continue using the issue you started with the Classical
Follow APA or MLA format per your instructor
Essay should be a minimum of 1,200-1,500 words PLUS Works Cited
A minimum of five sources are required
Getting Started
Prewrite by creating a summary of the opposing position – the author’s.
If you can summarize the opposing position, you exhibit your understanding of the stance.
Create a brief summary of your position.
Before you can find a compromise, you must be sure you understand both positions – clearly.
Write
State the opposing position as presented in the article chosen. Describe when the position might work or be accepted.
Imagine the article’s author is a member of your audience.
Show that you “heard” the author
Write a clear transition to your position.
State how your position would work or be acceptable.
Try to reconcile the two positions.
Documentation
You MUST include a Works Cited/References page per MLA or APA rules
You must properly cite in your essay
Remember, sloppy documentation is plagiarism.
