JudgeExplorationGorilla13 Respond to this paragraph: Arguments that are experienced in the…Respond to this paragraph:
Arguments that are experienced in the moment, not studied nor scripted, are complex, not always precise, and portions may be unclear, contain fallacies or misunderstandings (Copi et al., 2016). When communicating with someone who has a different view than your own that is logically sound, it can be challenging to approach and effectively argue while also being respectful to the other person. Thankfully, there are some communication and argumentation values to keep in mind that will help in such a situation.
The first thing to keep in mind when approaching this situation is to maintain a respectful attitude. Conversing with an open mind and a respectful attitude will go a long way. Differing perspectives can bring great conversations, learning and argumentation if you are open and respectful to listen.
This brings the next important element – active listening. Actively listening to another person’s view and opinions without dismissing them, interrupting, or declaring it wrong are important. The goal of active listening is seeking to understand their reasons and values.
Being respectful and actively listening bring us to the next step which is not using fallacies but rather logical reasoning. When communicating with someone who hold a different view than your own, it may be easy to use a fallacy of reasoning, such as the ad hominem fallacy of attacking the person rather than the argument. Using fallacies does not get you anywhere nor aid the discussion. Rather, your argument should use logical reasoning with clear directions, evidence, facts, and common-sense reasoning.
When communicating with someone who holds a different view than your own, being empathetic can go a long way. Being empathetic means understanding where the person is coming from. Actively listening helps in being empathetic. Along with active listening, a communicator seeking understanding will ask questions to help them understand the other person’s side.
While communicating, it can be easy to let emotions run, especially if you are passionate about your viewpoint and the other person’s is different from yours. Staying calm will help the conversation move forward as well as help to avoid destructive conflict which could result in a stalemate. Focusing on solutions rather than “winning” is key also; winning would only create more conflict and result in no solutions. Sometimes, you need to find a compromise and the mutual willingness to compromise or at least accept more than one view to one issue is beneficial, as is knowing or recognizing when it is time to “agree to disagree”.
These strategies and values can help you engage in a conversation with another person who holds a different viewpoint than your own. Beginning with respect and empathy will go a long way in effective communication and argumentation. Arts & HumanitiesEnglish
