Search results
These views of arguments also undermine reason. If you see a conversation as a fight or competition, you can win by cheating as long as you don’t get caught. You will be happy to convince people with bad arguments. You don’t mind interrupting them. You can call their views crazy, stupid, silly or ridiculous, or you can joke
stressful workday. If you schedule time, you can both prepare yourselves for a respectful and honest conversation. You can gather your thoughts and present them in a considerate and caring way. In the heat of the moment – or when you’re tired, hungry, or stressed out – you might say things you don’t mean. Use active listening. Fully ...
- iv Introduction
- “The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory but progress.” Karl Popper
- The ten golden rules of argument
- Be prepared
- What do you want?
- Framing an argument
- “Logic is the art of going wrong with confidence.” Joseph Krutch
- Getting it wrong
- Using facts
- Is the information reliable?
- Explaining statistics
- Presenting an argument
- Make it clear what you’re arguing for and why
- Summary
Do you hate arguments and avoid them at all costs? Or do you just find that you keep losing them? Perhaps even when you win, somehow you feel it has all been counter-productive? If so, this is the book for you. It will teach you how to argue well. You’ll discover how you can get your points across in a clear and effective way. It will also help you...
Arguing should lead to a better understanding of another per-son’s point of view and a better understanding of your own. Many people go through their lives simply not understanding how anyone could be a socialist, believe in God, support fox-hunting, or enjoy French films. This happens because they’ve not discussed these issues with people with who...
In this part I will introduce you to the Ten Golden Rules of Argument. These will help you in any argument you come across. Once you have understood them you will be able to argue well with whoever you encounter. The golden rules apply to arguments anywhere: at home, at work, at play, or even in the bath!
Those Boy Scouts are on to something. Being prepared for an argument is key to success. Sometimes arguments come out of the blue. But not always. It may be that you realize a diffi-cult business meeting or conversation is going to take place, in which case being prepared is a real advantage.
Before starting an argument think carefully about what it is you are arguing about and what it is you want. This may sound obvi-ous. But it’s crucially important. What do you really want from this argument? Do you want the other person just to under-stand your point of view? Or are you seeking a tangible result? If it’s a tangible result, you must ...
When preparing your argument, spend time thinking about how to present your point in a logical way. Admittedly, logic has a bad reputation.
People are often put off by references to logic. There is even suspicion that logic is some kind of clever trick to trip up those who are not “trained” in logic. In fact, there’s no magic to it. True, professional logicians have developed rules of magnificent complexity, but everyday logic is not difficult to grasp. Logicians talk about a “premise”...
This is typical of many arguments. All Bob and Marie are doing is repeating their conclusions to each other. There’s no possibility of any progression. This is because they are stating their conclu-sions and not giving the reasons for their beliefs. If either were to say “Now why do you say that?” or “Do you have any evidence for that claim?” then ...
It should be obvious that facts are essential to many debates and arguments. Before starting any argument it’s important you discover the information about it. You’re going to lose an argument about the benefits of the European Monetary Union if you have only read a couple of blogs about it and are discussing the issue with a professor in economics...
This is an important part of the task and needs to be handled with care. The source of the statistics can be key. The best source may be a group or organization that is respected by the person you’re arguing with. If that’s not possible, then an organiza-tion that is neutral or very well regarded. A study produced by a small pressure group on the d...
Don’t assume that the more statistics you have the better. A few well-placed statistics can be more effective than a long stream of them, which will leave the listener drowsy and confused. Only the most hardened statistic-nerd can take in more than a couple in a conversation. If necessary you can always say: “I have a lot of statistics I could use,...
A key part of preparing for any confrontation is not only mar-shalling facts and reasons but thinking of how to present them. Obviously this will depend a bit on whether the argument is part of a meeting, a conversation or a presentation. But the basic principles will be the same.
It’s always good to set out at the start what you’re arguing for and why. Consider this opening of an argument: “The company should support the proposal to purchase the building at 3 New Street. I will demonstrate three reasons why. First, doing so will generate a considerable profit. Secondly, we have a real need for more space. Thirdly, it will i...
Prepare for arguments well. Make sure you have researched your facts. Choose carefully the key arguments you will rely on. Work out what are the basic points you want to make and how you will present the arguments.
The point of this book is to show you all the tools and tactics that Diodotus, and all the world’s greatest speakers and debaters, employed. So you, too, can win every argument. Even when thousands of lives aren’t riding on it. Every single person on the face of the planet—every man, woman, and child
May 9, 1982 · I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me. You too can win arguments. Simply follow these rules: Drink Liquor. Suppose you are at a party and some hotshot intellectual is expounding on the economy
- 14KB
- 2
Being a good talker doesn’t make you a good listener, and being smart might make you a terrible listener. Highly educated people also tend to place a great deal of value on logic and discount the importance of emotion. You can’t win a debate with an emotional argument, of course, but conversation is not debate and human beings
People also ask
What makes a bad argument?
Do you know how to argue well?
Can you win a debate with an emotional argument?
Why should you read a good argument book?
Can you win an argument if someone doesn't invite you?
Can you win a conversation by cheating?
argument can be criticized as a bad argument always comes down to a failure to meet one of these basic obligations. One context of dialogue is the personal quarrel, characterized by aggres-sive personal attack, heightened appeal to emotions, and the desire to win the argument at all costs. The quarrel is characterized by bitter recrimina-
