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My name is Bob Hertzog and I am a retired Associate Professor of Communication.  To learn more about me and my family click about Dr. Bob. 

What Is Argument?

   An argument is not individuals attempting to defeat one another, as in a boxing match or tennis game.  Instead, it is two or more individuals engaged in the cooperative activity of finding the answer to a question.

    An argument is the act of stating a claim or proposition and supporting that claim by stating reasons why the claim should be accepted.  

    The quality of an argument is assessed by the clarity of the claim and the quality of the reasons given in support.    

The Characteristics of Argument

• An argument is cooperative.  Participants are cooperating to find the best answer to a question.  For all participants, "winning" is less important than finding the best answer.

• The answer to the question is important to the participants.  We seldom argue long or with much energy over issues which we consider unimportant. 

• We argue about questions for which a definitive answer may not be knowable.  If the answers could be known, there would be little need for an argument.  Rather, we argue about issues like: Which candidate will serve best in office?  How much is enough money to maintain a reasonable life-style in retirement?  Does God exist?  What must we do in order to provide adequate health-care to all Americans?  

• An answer to the question is necessary.  The solutions to the questions listed above cannot be known at the time the decision must be made.  Nevertheless, these are issues for which a decision is necessary.  

• Each participant wants to convince the other.  Participants want the other to accept their view freely.  They do not want to reach agreement through coercion or force.  Participants know that persons forced against their will still hold the same opinion, but people convinced by the give and take of claims and reasons will act willingly and with conviction.    

• Persons engaged in argument are willing to be persuaded.  Argument cannot function productively unless the participants are open to the evidence and reasoning presented in the interaction.  Each participant holds an attitude that says: "I won't be easily persuaded, but if your evidence is strong and your reasoning is solid, I can be convinced."

• Persons engaged in the argument accept that the claims made can be proven.  All persons engaged in the argument accept that there are conditions which, if established, will validate the truth of the arguer's claim.  

• Effectiveness in argument depends on sound reasoning.  Reasoning is a skill that can be learned and, like any skill, improves with practice.  Click here to see a model of reasoning.

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