The Function of Argument

Why do we try to persuade people of our beliefs? The answer to that question very much depends on what our purpose or goal is at any given time. At this very moment, I am trying to persuade you about one way argument functions in our lives. Therefore, my reason for "arguing" about argument is to give you some way to think about why you write or discuss issues. Consequently, I have a rhetorical purpose here. I am not just writing this information for my health; I am trying to persuade you of my point of view on this subject.

Now, you probably thought that this was just information and you probably thought I just wrote to "inform" you. That is part of what I am doing, but as I inform you, I am informing you of MY take on the function of arguments with the hope that you will approach argument with a slightly different sense than you have in the past. Therefore, my goal is more than just "informing;" I am arguing.

Since most communication is our attempt to present our views to someone else and we usually have a reason for trying to communicate, we can understand that argument is a process we use every day.

However, many people believe that argument means one point of view WINS.

Does one point of view ever win? Sure, I suppose it does when your parents say, "Go to your room" and you do, even though you don't want to and don't think you should have to. However, in most cases, issues are not a matter of right and wrong or people winning or losing.

So, what do we hope to accomplish when we argue?

I believe that when I present my point of view to you, I am hoping that you will listen to me, think about what I am saying, compare that idea to your own, think about your own ideas, question those ideas and make an informed decision with more information than you had before I presented my ideas to you. That, at least, is about the very best I can hope for.

Of course, sometimes there is more urgency involved and I need you to make a decision of great importance quickly. If I am hoping that you will make a decision based on my argument and I know that you are directly opposed to my idea, my argument takes on very important weight. I have to persuade you and I can't afford to not reach you.

In this case, I need to be very clear about what my purpose (goal) is. I need to consider your values, your attitude, and anything and everything else I know about you. When I start giving reasons and evidence, I am going to make sure that those reasons appeal to YOUR values rather than to mine. I am going to make sure I have given you enough respect to listen to me and value what I am saying to you. I am going to gain that respect by presenting my "ethos" as well as by indicating that I know you and understand you.

Now, my attempt to reach you and change your mind may or may not work. However, I am more likely to be successful if I consider argument as negotiation and I don't present myself as a person you simply don't want to listen to. Remember the example of your parents above? Why did that argument end up as a WIN for your parents without any of this other stuff I have been talking about? Because your parents don't need to persuade them that they run the house. That has been established and they have influence over you in a particular way.

But you don't have that sort of influence over most other people. You cannot order most people to believe what you believe or do what you want them to do. All you can do is try to find the best way to approach them and appeal to them. This is what argument is all about.

One other thing! You will find that if you consider other people's values and their points of view, often your own ideas change a bit. That is the other great thing about argument: the "dialogue" gives you a chance to better understand what you believe and to find answers to issues and situations that you wouldn't have considered until you explored the other side! Isn't life fun?