Tuesday, January 13, 2008
January 12, 2009
Syllabus for the week of Tuesday, January 13 2008
1) Introduction to the Course/1,245
2) Our fantastic Hub-Blog
3) Our Policy and Procedure Sheet
4) Our Syllabus
5) An Introduction to Blogging and Eh 124
6) Who are you?
7) Who am I?
8) What is this course about?
9) What is an argument? What is argumentation?
10) Everything’s an Argument/ with Readings 4th edition
In-class work:
Take out a piece of paper and something to write with.
This course is constructed to build off of Eh 123, Rhetoric and Composition I. In that course, you spent a great deal of time investigating your own culture and thinking about what it means to be a member of the student community at Husson University.
As I have already said, this class focuses closely on argumentation, and in your reading for next time you are going to be learning a lot about the different kinds of arguments that you encounter in a given day.
Let’s begin our work together by writing a response to the following prompt:
When you think of the word “argument,” what comes to mind? What are some different kinds of arguments that people can have? Describe in detail an argument you have had with someone over the course of the last semester. What was the reason for the argument? How did you state your case? How was the argument resolved? You are to write TWO FULL pages on this topic.
Discussion of Writing Assignment/ Virtual Class
VIRTUAL CLASS FOR THURSDAY
For Thursday of this week, you will be reading Chapter 1 of Everything’s an Argument.
Here’s how to begin:
1) Watch this mini-lecture. I will typically post these mini-lectures after our meetings. They will recap the day’s conversation and salient points. Think of these posts as being something like the brief weather forecasts or updates you see on the News. They are designed to give you a general overview, and to remind you of important information you may have missed in class.
2) Read and annotate Chapter One of Everything’s An Argument (pages 3-44).
2) Next, write a two-page journal entry on the following topic:
a. The reading identified a number of different kinds of arguments, some of which you are probably more familiar with than others. For your first writing assignment, I want you to write TWO FULL pages describing specific KINDS of arguments that you have encountered that fall under several of the categories that were addressed in your reading. For example, your book describes Arguments to Inform, Arguments to Explore, and Arguments to Make Decisions. Pick TWO of these categories and describe specific arguments you are aware of that fit under these categories. As was the case with Eh 123, the quality of your writing will depend in large part on your specificity. When you are finished, post your writing directly to this page (through the comments box at the bottom of the page).
HOMEWORK FOR TUESDAY, JAN 20
Now that you have identified some specific kinds of arguments that fit within certain categories of argumentation, we are going to get a little more specific. You will now write a two-page journal entry on specific kinds of arguments you encounter on a day-to-day basis. Remember that the book tells you that just about anything can be an argument as long as it is attempting to lead you towards some kind of truth. Identify some arguments you encounter on a day-to-day basis. What kinds of arguments are they? What are the arguments about? How much attention do you pay to these arguments? Be as specific as you can be. This journal entry is to be TWO FULL pages long, and you are to focus on NO MORE than THREE separate arguments. This journal assignment must be submitted via the blog BEFORE class on Tuesday, Jan 20. Again, email me at crowleya@fc.husson.edu if you have any problems. I would be glad to help.
Best of luck, and please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. And please feel free to stop by my office hours (posted on the policy and procedure page)
I’m looking forward to working with all of you this semester.
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Nate Adams
Arguments
There are many types of arguments in the world today. Many of them include arguments about the future, the past and present, along with many others. A lot of issues in the world today are settled with arguments. Within the United States government, there is a well structured argumentative plan. Two or more sides of the argument presented are debated until there is a final result. Two popular kinds of arguments that the government has argued about are the future and present day disputes.
An event that the government is worried about and that is affecting our nation right now is the economic crises. Many different suggestions and plans are being set forth to help provide citizens better financial stability. But many different issues are still being worked out because of all the unsuccessful attempts to reestablish our society. This was a big deal during the presidential campaigns in 2008.
A lot of voters thought Barack Obama’s plan to help the economy was more stable than John McCain’s. A presidential debate was held for both of the presidential nominees. During this debate, the two individuals shared their views on a lot of issues that Americans are facing each day, and how they will solve these issues. Barack Obama, with his great speech and representation won the voters over in November. Being able to back up his solutions and generate correct English sentences on the spot helped Obama during the debates when a lot of U.S citizens were watching.
Another event that is currently affecting our society is the global warming issue. A lot of solutions are being proposed in the legislator on how to help prevent global warming. The discussion of new energy sources being created to help prevent gasses being admitted into the atmosphere are being discussed right now. There are arguments within the government about the cost and benefits with new energy sources. A solution will eventually come, but for now, arguments will take place to figure out the final solution.
An event that is taking place in the future that has religions everywhere puzzled and arguing is December 21st, 2012. In a lot of religions this date is the end of the world as we know it. This day marks the end of the Mayan calendar. Many religions follow the belief of the Mayan calendar, but other religions think of this as absurd. In Christianity, it is believed that this date may mark the second coming of Jesus Christ. Catholics on the other hand, don’t believe in such an event, but believe that the world will come to an end but at an undeclared time. Religions have been debating and arguing over this date for a while. But since the date is drawing nearer, talks about this historical date is being debated about around the world more than ever.
Religion is a very hard topic to debate about because there is so little evidence. However, many priests and other high ranked religious officials debate and persuade people to believe in their religion. In this argument of the future, steps are not being discussed on how to prevent this event, but if this event will actually happen. Catholics don’t believe in this date, and some Christians believe in the second coming of Christ. This topic will be argued until December 21st, 2012 comes and goes.
Arguments are a way to settle disputes, and get the point across to the opposition. Future and present day arguments are only two of many categories of argumentation. Arguing is a part of life, we argue with ourselves every day. Whether it be what kind of clothes we wear or what food we eat, an argument will always be present as long as we are here on Earth.
Kezzie W.
Due: Jan.15.2009
Who would’ve ever known there were so many different types of arguments people could get in. When I think of an argument I think of fighting and yelling. From personal experience I have noticed this is the result of people having a closed mind and feeling that their point of view is the only correct way of thinking. Obviously this is incorrect. Believe it or not after reading the first chapter of this textbook I have learned so much about a topic I felt was so narrowly complex. Arguments can be made in visual and verbal messages. What’s even more intriguing is a person proposes an argument through the clothes they wear, groups they join, and foods they consume. I never thought of it that way, but it makes complete sense.
Arguments can be classified into different categories. One classification would be “Arguments to make decisions”. These arguments are most commonly done within oneself. You do this in order to make good, sensible decisions about something. While trying to reach this decision you will mentally pick through the pros and cons. One very common specific argument that would fall under this category would be the debate of what you’d like to major in. Some people know instantly and work towards it starting the first day of high school. However, most people struggle between a few options they have chosen for themselves. Many questions run through your head. What major would lead you to the job you’d be most happy with? Which major requires more schooling? What career path would earn you the most money through out your life to raise your family? Once you ask yourself these questions you then start to distinguish between the pros and cons. This will eventually lead a person to make a decision and if it doesn’t then they begin to ask friends and family for advice.
Another classification would be “Arguments to inform”. Basically anything from street signs to newspaper headlines or nutrition labels on your soup are proposing an argument. Although these are everyday things, every time we look at them they present us with an informative argument. A prime example of a specific argument would be one that comes from a Salesperson. Every good salesperson knows that they best way to sell your product is to inform the consumer about it. When you go to a store you rarely have to make decisions on your own about buying something such as a new TV or couch. A salesperson automatically greets you with a big smile and upbeat attitude. Smart salespeople offer you information about the product they would rather sell compared to a product that doesn’t match up. They know all of the facts about that specific product and inform you of its capabilities. Basically the decision is made for you.
Its funny to think that while you are enjoying your everyday activities you are either proposing an argument or getting hit by one. Whether you are reading the newspaper, getting dressed in the morning, making personal decisions, or even looking at a stop sign, you are engaging in an argument. Now that I know that, I am going to think more in depth about the things I do. It’s very intriguing but I guess all you have to do is stop and think about everyday life and you’ll notice the arguments you engage in.
Nate Adams
Due: 1-20-09
Day to Day Arguments
Almost everyone in this world will hold some kind of argument throughout the day, whether that be with themselves, another person, or a group of people. The argument itself doesn’t have to be anything catastrophic, but it does have to serve a purpose to find out a truth. There are many different types of arguments that we go through on a daily basis. For example: arguments with ourselves, arguments with companions and arguments with parents. All of these different arguments are conflicts throughout the day that try to get resolved.
Throughout the day, people argue with themselves whether or not they should have or shouldn’t have done something. For instance, what shirt would go best with these pants, or what beverage would go good with a certain meal. There seems to be two sides arguing with each other inside our heads to try and compromise to find the best solution for the conflict. In the end, usually the dispute is over and an alternative has been arranged.
But sometimes an answer never gets resolved and the person will give up on the whole idea. This still means an argument has taking place. If someone wants to go to a party and can’t compromise with himself what to wear in order to look good, sometimes they settle for not going whatsoever. This would mean that one side of the argument won by not going to the party. The winning side never wanted to go to the party, while the other side wanted to but couldn’t beat the other side’s reasons for not going. You may not even know it, but you were arguing with yourself.
Another argument that people find themselves in frequently is the argument with their partners. Typically the female will always win the battle. The male in the relationship may prefer to go golfing over a day with his companion. If the female wants a male to stay, she will put up an argument that may involve tears. This will breakdown the male and force him to stay with his partner. This could be a short or long argument, but it is, however; a daily argument.
A couple may even fight/argue over what dining room table should go in the dining room. Or which Christmas tree each of them prefer over the other. No matter how much attention we give to these battles throughout the day, they are still arguments.
The third battle we sometimes face is the arguments is with our parents. Especially when the child is 18 or younger, the parents usually are king of the castle. No matter how much the child may be right, the parents are always right.
Most of the arguments with parents are one sided, but are still disputes throughout the day. If a teenager wants to go over to a friend’s house when the parents aren’t home, the teenager’s parents will usually tell the child they can’t go over without his parents there. No matter how many times you tell them they aren’t going to do anything bad, the parents will not give in. This is a typical argument throughout a teenaged household.
Sometimes in arguments, we give no attention that we are even disputing over anything with each other or amongst ourselves. In certain situations, the battle is too intense that we have a hard time recognizing the disagreement.
A difference of opinion can ruin relationships, friendships and hearts everywhere. But sometimes arguments can bring two people together. No matter how ridiculous the argument, there can usually be an alternative solution to the problem. Day to day confrontation will always await us, for the good and the bad.
Julie R.
Argument Journal
My everyday definition of an argument is, fighting, disagreeing with someone with another belief, or a point that is trying to be proven. When I stopped and thought about an argument I began to think of, debates, business work, how one presents themselves. In the book everything’s’ an argument opened my eyes to what an argument is, and how many different types of arguments there are in ones everyday life. There are Visual, Verbal, invitational, informing, convincing, exploring, ones that help make decisions mediation, and many more. The two types of arguments that caught my attention and seemed to stick out in my mind as apart of my life were Arguments to Make Decisions along with, Arguments of evaluation.
The first argument that stuck out to me was arguments to make decisions, this stuck out the most to me because, and the example of pros and cons of going to college was a mirror image of me last year at this time. Never did I think of this as an argument with myself. I just looked at it as me not being able to make up my mind. When in reality I was internally fighting with my self for the “best” decision. Continuously searching for a sign that would tell the right path to take. Something that could persuade me to choose which side of my argument I would be on. This is a perfect example that an argument does not have to be yelling and screaming or even involve another person. You have to have an open mind and weigh all the pros and cons.
The next argument that caught my attention was Arguments on Evaluation. The reason that this stands out to me so greatly is because it was an argument that I could imagine me having with another person. Brand names do not mean a thing to me. Where as my Stevo was brought up in a totally different life style so, brand names matter to him top of the line almost everything. It creates a conflict. Which shows another aspect of an argument, it can be an underlying tension, conflict that is always reoccurring but yet one does not have to yell and scream about it. What is the truth? Why do band names matter? The more expensive items are usually better. Right? My philosophy is that everything is the same sometimes you get ripped off when you buy the “better item” because its brand name and it is over priced. Sometimes you get ripped off by buying the no band name because it is made out of worthless materials. This does not have to just be with material items. Take restaurants for example. There are restaurants that are lower than no name restaurants like fast food. When you reach the “next level” where it is real cooked food. Any where from Applebee to olive Garden, it is all the same food why does it have different prices, one may argue that the service is better, or the food is top quality. The truth is that food is food isn’t it?
I never knew that there were so many arguments that someone could encounter. When I hear the word argument, I think of fighting. From my own personal experience, I have discovered that fighting is mostly someone who thinks that their point of view is the only one that is right. I don’t think that’s correct, because more than one point of view can be right. I learned a lot by reading this chapter. I learned that arguments can be made by visual, or verbal messages that are being presented. It’s very interesting to me that things like, the clothes you wear, activities that you do, and other everyday routines presents an argument of some kind.
There are a variety of different types of arguments. One type of argument is called “Arguments to Inform.” These arguments are things like, street signs, posters, ads, and nutrition labels. These types of arguments, are things that we see in our everyday life. When we look at, or read them, they are showing us an argument of information. A good example of this type of argument is a campaigner. Someone who is campaigning to be a city council member, governor, or even the president. They know the best way to win the election, is to inform the public about them, who they are, and that they are running for that specific position. They put up lots of posters with their face on them that say, “Vote for me“, and make tv ads saying why you should vote for them. If the public doesn’t know about them, then how can they vote for them when it comes time to vote in the election?
Another type of argument is called “Arguments to Make Decisions.” Usually someone has this argument with themselves. This type of argument is used to help weigh out the pros, and the cons. Knowing the pros, and cons, will help you make a good solid decision about something that you are trying to decide on. A good example that would fall under this type of argument is, deciding which college to go to. Some high school students already know what college they want to go to, because it’s the school they’ve always wanted to go to, or because maybe a sibling went, or goes there. For some it’s not that easy, because you want to make the right choice for yourself. During this decision you really have to weigh out the pros, and cons of each school. You argue with yourself, on whether you want to go to a big school, or little school. One that is more expensive, or less expensive, and even choosing whether to go to college, closer to home, or further away from home. These questions, and many more race through your mind, when trying to decide which college is going to give you the best opportunity at a better education. Through arguing with yourself over the pros, and cons, you can really see where each school stands, and finally make a decision about your future. If they can’t make a decision they eventually ask for either a friends, family member, or even a high school counselor for advice on how to choose the best possible college for themselves.
It’s interesting that things such as, everyday activities, choice of clothing, street signs, the groups that you join, a daily routine, nutrition labels and a lot of things around you everyday, are making arguments, and I didn’t even know it. Now that I know that these things are presenting arguments, I’m going to look more closely, and pay more attention to what they are trying to argue.
Ben Valley
Arguments Paper 1
1/14/09
As I was reading the different categories of arguments all I could think of was my past and all the arguments that I’ve had. Some seemed to fit right into these categories and some of them seemed to confuse me. After thinking about all the arguments, I picked two that I could best remember.
The first argument I can remember having falls under the category Arguments to Make Decisions. My father and I were sitting at the dinner table just the other week when he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and shoved it in my face. He asked if I had any idea what It was. I replied and told him yea I did. It was a receipt from GMC Varney & Pontiac that showed the cost of repairs to fix my truck. It was well over $600.00. He then told me that if I didn’t take off the big tires and suspension lift from my truck that he was done having it repaired under his name. I asked him what the big deal was since he wasn’t really driving it and I was taking somewhat good care of it. He looked at me and said that crap is ruining your truck so you either take it off, or you start to pay for it when it breaks.
When he left the table I was stranded in thought. Should I take my tires and lift off, or should I leave them on and take the chance? After arguing with him and myself about it I figured it was probably best to take them off just incase I did end up breaking something. I guess he won that argument.
The next argument that I had, I believe falls under the category Arguments about the future. I was talking to my mom one day about school and what I wanted to be when I grew up. We were stuck in an argument over the fact that to become a Federal Agent I should be looking at four years of Criminal Justice school rather then two years of Criminal Justice school. She believed that four years of college would be better for me then two. I thought two would be alright because how hard is it to become a cop? I mean you go to the Academy and pass and you get your job. Well after we sat down and did research ( which took 2-3 days) we both came to an agreement that four years would probably benefit me better then two. Again, since it’s in the future we wont really know what will help me out the most. The argument will always be a two year or a four year college, and which will benefit me more and we wont really be able to tell until it happens.
Even though we came to somewhat of an agreement on what we thought would benefit my future more, I still wont pass up the fact of a two year college verses a four year college.
The last argument that I had fell under the category of Arguments to inform. I can remember running for student council back in high school and I can remember trying to persuade the students to vote for me. I had to make many posters and advertise a lot of different materials to try and get them to notice who I was. It was a different kind of argument, but after a while of making posters and getting kids to understand what running for student council was like I believe I did a good job on arguing the fact that they should pick me and that I was the one. I didn’t come in first, but I was runner up.
There are many different arguments that you could have and the are many different categories to place them each in. By reading this chapter I was able to understand the many different arguments that people are apt to have.
Melissa B
Since I was a little kid, I thought arguments happened when two people had different thoughts on a particular topic. This normally evolved into yelling, hitting, and not talking for a couple of days. Come to find out there are numerous types of arguments and we use them every day, in every situation. Some we do not even know we are using. Two particular ones that I can relate to are arguments to make decisions and arguments into the future.
As I looked at colleges, I did not know it, but I was making many arguments to make a decision. I had to go through pros and cons to decide where I would end up for school. I looked at what would make me the happiest, what I had for money, how far away I would be from family and friends, and most importantly what would I choose for a major? With all these thoughts running through my mind, I knew I would not be able to make the decisions by myself. I knew I could count on my parents since they knew me the best. With all the things I had to take into consideration, I found out that I would be happiest not far away from home. I live in Gardiner, so it is only about an hour and half away. This would make it easy for me to take trips home to see friends and family. Husson seemed to give me the most money with awards and on top of that, it had physical therapy. This was something I had looked into since I had done a project in computer class on this major. With the help of my parents and my own knowledge, I was able to choose Husson, where I feel at home and it has supplied all my needs so far.
Arguments that look into the future can be looked at as a math equation. Say you are hoping for an “A” in Anatomy for the semester. If you receive all “A’s” on your tests, there is a good chance you will do well for the semester. If you were to do poorly on all your tests during the semester there is a good chance you will do poorly for the semester. My “math equation” didn’t work that way. I took Anatomy in high school, and did well. I got 90’s on all my tests and quizzes. First semester came a surprise for me. Entering Anatomy I thought I would do well, come to find out I did poor on my tests, even though I studied and my grade turned out poor for the semester. I am retaking it this semester. I am going to have to work twice as hard and work more on the areas that I did not do well in. I am now not looking ahead and saying it is going to be a breeze. You never know how things are going to turn out until they are happening. Looking into the future and assuming things does not get you anywhere.
Arguments are in your everyday life. There is no way to escape from them. I have never looked at every thought or conversation as an argument until now. It is hard to believe that everything you do from something visual, to talking, is an argument.
Arguments
After reading the first chapter of Everything’s an Argument With Readings I found there were many different types of arguments, some of which I had never even considered to be an argument. The first thing that came to my mind when we talked about arguments in class was two people disagreeing about something and verbally fighting about who’s right. Also I thought of all the stupid arguments I would get into with my friends about pointless topics such as who is better at something or what sports team better. Now I realize there is a lot more to arguing then I once thought.
An argument we all run into ever day is an “argument to inform”. This type of argument you see everywhere and I ran into it a lot during my fall semester. It is anything that informs you on something like street signs or billboards and advertisements, and much more. What sticks out in my head the most was this fall before the elections. Everywhere you went there were signs telling you who to vote for. If it wasn’t for these signs I wouldn’t of known about half the candidates running for senate or for state representative and so on. The more and more you would see a sign with a candidates name on it the more you would think about them and listen for there name on the news or talk radio. These adds were not only used to inform you but they also persuaded you to vote for them. These signs were everywhere and when I got into the voting booth I recognized all the names mainly because I would see the candidates signs and advertisements and I would know who to look for and follow them throughout the race.
Another one of the arguments the book discussed is one that many of us as college students have encountered. “Arguments to make decisions” definitely occur in everyday life. The most important argument I have ever made to make a decision was with my self last semester. I kept trying to decide if my major was really the one for me. I went through all my options in my head over and over to try and decide what path I should take. I didn’t know whether I should stay with my business major at Husson or transfer to a trade school so I could graduate sooner and start making money. Not only did I ask myself these questions but I also discussed it with my parents. By doing this I narrowed down my decisions and was able to pick the one that worked the best for me. If I had gone to a trade school I wouldn’t be giving myself as much to fall back on if that career wasn’t for me. At least with a business degree I could have a wider variety of career choices.
I argue with myself and other people everyday, but some arguments are more important then others. Whether it was this fall and I was trying to decide what college major to pursue or who to vote on election day, these were still a small fraction of the arguments I faced on a daily bases. Every decision you make big or small it is usually decided after an argument with yourself or another person. I had no idea just how much it effects your life and how important some arguments are. My view before was that arguing was pointless and didn’t get you anywhere, but the truth is many arguments are important and necessary for many different reasons.
Matt Thebarge
Arguments (Due 1/15/09)
Arguing is a huge part in everyday life. Since man could walk upright, he has found something to argue about. Whether it is something as simplistic as what television show to watch to something as complicated as lawyers, judge and jury deciding the fate of a man on trial. The word argument is such a broad term that it can be broken down into different types of arguments. In the book Everything’s an Argument they talk about the different kinds of arguments.
One type of argument the book touches upon is the argument to convince. With this type of argument you are not trying to prevail over an opposing side but you are trying to state your case and let your opinion be herd. A weekday television show that I have become very fond of is called Around the Horn on ESPN. On this show, there is a panel of sports writers and analysts that are trying to convince the host, Tony Reali, that their opinion is right. Tony will present each panelist with a question about something presently going on in sports like which team is better or if someone should be traded or not etc. and they will give him their opinion. If he likes it they get a point and he if he doesn’t they don’t get a point. This is a prime case of arguments used to convince because the goal of the show is to convince the host. Another example of arguments used to convince happens to me on almost a daily basis. I work at an after school program with kindergartners at my local YMCA. Although these kids may be small, they still strongly feel towards things, even if it may seem foolish. The other day at work there was a kid who, I feel, must have had a bad day at school. We were lining up to go to the game room when this little boy did not line up. I asked him why he didn’t line up and the reply on his cliche pouty child face was “I just don’t wanna go.” This is where I had to convince the child how fun the game room truly is. I went about telling him all the fun he’ll have with the games he can play like Foosball and ping-pong. I then mentioned the air hockey table and his face lit up. He had forgotten how much fun air hockey was so he hurried to the line. Although the convincing took less then 10 seconds my opinion on how fun the game room is was enough to change his little mind.
Arguments to make decisions are one of the biggest types of arguments I deal with. This is such a vast category because if you think of it, there are so many decisions you make throughout the day that you are almost always internally deciding within yourself. A good example would be this journal entry. I battled back and forth when I was going to finally type it up and when would be a good time to do that. Not only that, but when I started to type it I really wasn’t sure how I was going to start the paper. I sat at my computer for about ten minutes figuring out what I was going to do for my first paragraph. After I sat around and thought for a while I finally decided what I was going to type. Now this is a minimal example of arguments to make decisions. One large example that I battle with daily is “What I want to be When I Grow Up”. I figure that well, I’m almost there and although I have chosen a major, I really don’t think this major is right for me. So I am in a constant battle on what I want to do. I weigh the pros and cons of what career would be best for me and also ask opinions of others. One day I will decide and that internal conflict will be over.
There are many, many different types of arguments that people experience throughout their daily lives. Some of the arguments that I experience, like what career I will chose, are more important then other arguments I have, like thinking frequent Around the Horn panelist Woody Paige is completely out of his mind, are not as important. No matter what I do or where I am at in life, there is always an argument near by.
Trista G.
There are many different arguments that are talked about in our book but the two that stick out and apply the most to me are the arguments to convince and make decisions. These are the two types that I use the most on a daily basis. For example, when talking to friends or mother, at any given time we can get into what we like to call ‘heated discussions’, to make the other understand or share the same point of view; and when the mayor and board of education director are arguing about school policies and closing in Washington, DC.
Arguments to convince seem very similar to persuasion. The beginning of the chapter makes a distinction between the two words argument and persuade, stating that argument is to discover some version of the truth and persuasion is to change ones opinion at any costs. This is what happens during our quarrels. These are arguments because we want to change the minds of the people that we are battling but more so persuasive arguments because we rarely ever use logical information or statistics. Our proof is usually more hearsay or common sense rather than factual information that had been proven. In one instance that I can clearly remember is when I argued with my mother over whether we should have chicken for dinner opposed to pork. This is a good example because during this dispute I wanted her to cook chicken because I was craving it and I only prefer to eat pork seasonally. My point was that the chicken would take less time to cook, it goes well with any side dish that she chose to make, and I tend to sleep better when I eat chicken than when I eat pork. Her point was that we always ate chicken and she wanted to switch the menu up a it to give us more variety in our diets. This situation was strictly win/lose and I was determined to be triumphant. This exemplifies the statement made previously because I was trying to persuade her to cook chicken because of how it sat in my stomach opposed to pork. If I wanted to be more of an argument then I could have used healthy facts about chicken that made it better for the body than pork. But nonetheless, this argument was to convince my mother that dinner should be chicken.
When I think of arguing to make a decision my mind immediately navigates to the public arguments mayor Adrian Fenty or Washington, DC has with the school board chairman on the school closings and attendance records or the public schools. This is a prime example of arguing to make a decision. They are both fighting for the same cause, a solution about what to do to adjust to the changes in the educational department, but have different ideas on how to come to that decision. The mayor wants to keep all the schools open and giving funding to remodel the schools and give the children the supplies they need to learn. Whereas, the director wants to remodel one school for every grade level in each different ward/neighborhood and close down all the rest. This change will force children to go to their neighborhood schools whether the reputation is good or bad just to cut costs. To many parents this is heart breaking because some of their children will not have the chance to learn in a healthy environment. This is an ongoing debate. Seems like no verdict will be reached.
Karina Durrell
When I think of the word argument, I think of people that are not agreeing on an issue. They discuss the problem, but they never seem to listen or to see the other person’s side. The people involved in the dispute think that they are right. I always saw an argument as a fight or yelling match. After I read this chapter, I realized that there were many different types of arguing. The two types of arguing that stood out to me and that I can relate to the most are arguments to make decisions and arguments to inform.
I faced an argument to make a decision during my junior and senior year. I had to decide what college I wanted to go to and what I was going to choose for a major. I had to argue with myself to see all the different choices I had. I took the time to figure out the pros and cons of each school and the majors I thought I would enjoy and also be able to succeed at. I not only argued with myself, I had friends, parents, teachers, and my guidance counselors help me with my decisions. They asked me what I was looking for in my schools and for my career. They told me what my strongest subjects where and that I should probably look for a major that had those involved with it. They also asked questions like how far away do you want to be from your friends and family, do you want a big or small campus, how much money you have to go to your college, and many more. I decide that Husson would be the best place for me to go because I could go home if I wanted to, they had finance which is the major that I was looking into because I felt as though I would be good at it and be successful, and the financial aid package they offered me was better than other schools. After talking to the people that had my best interest in mind, I felt more comfortable with my choice I was about to make. I felt like I was going to make a good decision for myself and my future.
The reason that arguments to inform caught my eye is because I was in FBLA, which is Future Business Leaders of America, and we did Christmas cards for soldiers. I made homemad Christmas cards, and my teacher was so happy that I put so much time in to them. In those cards I wrote a letter saying how we appreciate all that they do and we can’t thank them enough for their bravery and all the sacrifices that they make. I also informed them that everyone was thinking about them and their families during the holiday season. After doing this as a group, we got noticed and the newspaper wanted to come in and talk to us so that they could do an article about it. They wrote about the cards and put it in the paper because they wanted other people to know that FBLA in our community does a lot, and they wanted them to know that they could do it for the troops also. We informed many people on something that they did not know and after it was in the newspaper, many more people sent out Christmas cards for the soldiers.
Arguments are something that happens every day even though you might not realize it. There are many different types of arguments such as visual, physical, and verbal. Everyone has had many arguments and they face them daily. There probably won’t be a time where you don’t have to encounter an argument.
Julie-Anne Moore
First Argument Paper
When one thinks of an argument, this word is often associated with flaring tempers and yelling. However, there are arguments that can be vocalized or simply stated through simple words or visuals without lending themselves to this connotation. Two kinds of arguments that would fall under these conditions are arguments to inform and arguments to explore. These arguments take place in everyday life, though one may not see them.
Arguments to explore, as the name would suggest, explore the reasoning being the status quo. They are the motivating forces behind wars, new legislation, and almost every important decision that is made. Subsequently, they are the driving force behind the decision of whether or not to be a Christian. Every morning, it seems that people wake up to a new crisis or disaster, or even to the realization of the proximity of death. These realizations put fear into everyday life and leave people wondering why life is so cruel and tumultuous. This questioning of why things are the way they are is in and of itself an argument to explore. People are exploring the reason behind the complexities of life in an effort to find a remedy for the feelings of confusion and despair, which they may find to be Christ.
Furthermore, the recent financial crisis has provided innumerable examples of arguments to explore. With the world in turmoil and the economy plummeting, people are wondering if all the comforts they enjoy are truly necessary and why it is that this crisis is occurring. With this looming argument on the lips and in the hearts of most Americans, the candidates for this recent election focused on our economical problem in their campaigns and, subsequently, their debates. As many Americans seemed to blame President Bush for the crisis, Obama was able to persuade voters that the answer to why America is in this economical crisis is that the Republicans are at fault. With a desperate, questioning nation, Obama was able to win the election.
Notwithstanding, arguments to inform can also play a major role in daily decision-making. This kind of argument is unique in the fact that it does not necessarily have to be spoken or written, but can be solely visualized. One group that utilized the visual and written forms of informational arguments is the Pro-Life activist organization. They can effectively argue their stance against abortion via photos of aborted babies plastered all over the Internet. These mutilated bodies serve as a platform on which they can base their argument that abortion is murder. These simple three words and horrifying pictures effectively argue that abortion is immoral without the necessity of articulating this idea.
Finally, another argument to inform that seems to have been effective was also relating to the recent election. In this election, the Democrats were quick to argue that Sarah Palin was unfit to be vice president. Among their arguments against Palin, was their simple statement that her unmarried daughter had become pregnant. This was a simple statement, but one that, like most arguments to inform, had a covert message. This message was that she may not be effective in a position of leadership as she was unsuccessful in preventing her daughter from becoming pregnant. This insidious implication that permeated the liberal media, arguing her irresponsibility raised doubts in voters’ minds and may have contributed to Obama’s substantial victory.
In conclusion, argument to inform and arguments to explore can be found in everyday occurrences and preceding everyday decisions. They make one question the reasoning behind almost everything and the implications of common actions. In addition, these arguments lead to a third kind of argument, the argument to decide. This is where the actual decision is made based on the answer to arguments to explore or inform.
I never knew there were so many different types of arguments in today’s society. I guess you can say I briefly understood the meaning of an argument but not to the full extent the text is telling me. Personally an argument to me would consist of 3 parts; verbal, physical, and emotional. Then after reading the text I found out that those are type of arguments but not all of the parts. In the book everything’s an argument there are multiple types of arguments such as verbal with speeches, deliberative, visual with signs and clothing, present arguments about contemporary values, interrogation with a crime, and so on.
Two types of arguments caught my eye and they are deliberative and visual. My favorite type of argument is deliberative for many reasons. A deliberative arguemnt is about what will or should happen in the future. Political figures such as legislatures, congress, parliaments, and today’s world leaders. Also deliberative arguments usually draw from some type of evidence. I like being able to express myself with passion and emotion for something I feel strongly for. Using a deliberative argument you are letting your opponent state where he stands and his feeling on the subject. Then both opponent of people in the debate can feed off each others energy and come back stronger. I have encountered deliberative arguments a lot in my life especial at home and at school. My father is really into politics and environment and we are constantly debating about those issues.
There is one debate that stick out in my mind and it was during speech class. We were put into groups and told to pick a topic. One issue I feel really strongly for is abortion laws and how people don’t want to make abortion as an option. Personally I believe in pro choice but my opponents felt differently. They looked at it as a different version of the death penalty and presented different choices such as adoption. During the deliberative argument I just basically took what they said and came back with facts.
The next type of argument that caught my eye was visual. To me making a visual argument is making a strong statement. Some types of visual arguments are street signs, what a person is wearing, and pretty much everything you visually see. For example look at people who have shirts that was displaying alcohol. People automatically assume that there making an argument and supporting drinking, when in reality they woke up in the morning and threw the shirt on.
One time I can remember when I was younger we had to make a poster for bicyclical safety. We were not allowed to use words, so the whole point was top make a statement with a picture. I chose to draw a picture of a older women crossing the road with a helmet. The picture didn’t have much going on but the statement was massive. The point I was trying to get across that was no matter what age you are, you should wear a helmet. In conclusion every type of argument is making a very statement.
Throughout my life, I have encountered many types of arguments. Now that I have read some of this book, I have realized how many more I actually have encountered, been a part of, watched, participated in and the list goes on. After the assigned reading, I know that consciously and subconsciously we are always presenting our side of an argument or making an informative argument. The arguments I was aware of, however, were not as expanded as described in the reading. I always thought of arguing as an exchange of opinion between two or more groups. These exchanges could range from very friendly to incredibly heated. That was the typical argument I thought of, however, I knew of the argument to inform although I didn’t think of it called as that. I thought that mainly an argument aimed to inform was called a persuasive argument. These are incorporated into many things, it could be a simple bumper stick proclaiming anti-taxation referendums or it could be a detailed and eloquent twenty minute speech trying to change the minds of thousands. However, as it states in the book persuade and argument are completely different terms. Persuade is to change ones opinion and an argument is to uncover some unknown truth, ergo, they are different but related directly.
Arguments can be brought into many subsections of itself. It expands rapidly to the different types of arguments. A type of argument that always catches my eye one hoping to convince others. I feel that nothing is better then a controversial issue and the opportunity to attempt and persuade others to see your point. It is a very difficult thing to do as most people have their beliefs held firmly in their mind. A person with a closed mind and can’t entertain anything not in their own beliefs is a very poor subject to attempt to convince. As the very smart Aristotle once said “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Persuasion is obtained not by belittling your opponent but to provide solid facts on your side, showing why it is the correct side.
There are many questions out there that are left unanswered because lack of information, experiments and other things. The questions of the past is a relevant argument to society. People argue for decades about how, when, why the universe was created. These are entitled forensic arguments. This process of learning about the past is to prepare ourselves for the present and future. We hear the phrase “History repeats” and with the arguments of the past, we try to learn our mistakes and correct them before they happen again. As these arguments rely heavily on precedents, it is only fitting that we study these to ensure to avoid prior blunders and prevent future mishaps.
An argument is how the world works, in a way. You cannot leave your room without being a part of one. You don’t have to participate in a conventional confrontational argument, but just the way you present yourself is in argument in and of itself. The choices you make directly reflect how and what you believe to be correct. Like it or not, you can’t avoid it, it’s everywhere you go. What you wear provides an argument, it is a statement that may opposes or offsets others opinions. Take pride in what you believe in, argue passionately, purposely and above all never back down.
Types of Arguments
Throughout my life, I have witnessed and taken part in my fare share of arguments. Up until now, I have never really thought about the different classifications there are involving arguments. I was under the impression that all arguments are the same, but seeing the different groups makes me realize how wrong I was. There are also many things in my day-to-day life that I never realized was an argument. I had no idea the clothes I wore, or the yoga classes I attend are forms of argument. The title of the book, Everything is an Argument is 100% true because there is basically some sort of an argument for everything.
During my exploration of chapter one, I got to see just exactly how many types of arguments there really are. I was amazed to find so many types! One type of argument that I see daily and don’t even realize it is informative arguments. These types of arguments are meant to inform an audience about something particular. A perfect example of this is the acne prevention treatment, called “Pro Active.” Almost every day I see some sort of advertisement for this product. Whether I see commercials on television, ads in magazines or on billboards it seems like something is always endorsing it. Not to mention there is always a famous celebrity saying how great the product is to go along with the advertisements. I never have thought about endorsing different products as a type of argument, but it does make sense. The whole point is an argument to inform a large audience to go out and buy a particular product. It has got to be one of the most well used arguments today.
Another type of argument I am well use to using is making decisions. I was faced with a very hard decision over winter break that I argued with myself for weeks over. At one point I wasn’t sure if coming back to Husson was the right choice for me. I had to weigh all the pros and cons over-and-over again before I finally chose to come back. I never really considered what I was doing at the time was an argument because it just was involving myself. I had no idea I could basically have an argument with myself; but I did, and it was a really BIG argument.
When I think of the work argument I usually associate it with something bad, but I have learned that it’s not in all cases. An argument is just a form of expression, and it is healthy to have your own personal form of expression. I no longer think of an argument as a fight between a boyfriend and girlfriend, or a quarrel between two friends. An argument can be as simple as putting on a pair of designer jeans, or listing to President Elect, Barack Obama speak. Arguments are literally everywhere whether you chose to see them or not.
There are many different ways to make a statement, most call it arguing. Now there are several different types of arguing, in the book Everything’s an Argument the first chapter talks about, what alot of people argue about and why people do it. Some people to prove a point, and some people to win a court case. In pages 3 to 5 they use examples such as how visual and verbal messages contain arguments.
I found page 7 to 8 very interesting because in those pages they state that”language has and argumentative edge that aims to make a point.” They had talked about how like the candidates that run for office try to win over the others. They had also stated how companies try to out sell the others such as ones cheese cake is better than the others.
On page 9 they talk about arguments to inform such as “street signs which doesn’t appear to be argumentative but it is in the aspect that they are trying to let people know of something up ahead that they may need such as gas or food.” I believe this to be a very helpful argument because when I am driving I like to know how far it will be till the next gas station or rest stop.
Page 10 more or less describes and talks about arguments to convince. Arguments to convince are basically arguments that you are making when trying to persuade someone something such as why not to eat at Burger King. I know I have had many debates such as this especially in school when we were going over the presidential election where I was trying to persuade someone to vote for a certain president.
Later in the first chapter they talk about Occasions for arguments. There are public occasions such as being in at work and debating with someone about how they should be doing their job. Or even at a family party when everyone’s drinking and their shooting their mouths off about god knows what and the next thing you know someone else is saying something back and then it becomes an argument.
Now as you can tell there are many different ways to argue and there are also many different things to argue about these are just a certain few that has been listed in the book. In this chapter it went over a wide variety of things such as Arguments to inform, Arguments to convince, arguments to explore, arguments to make decisions which happens every day, arguments to meditate or pray. This chapter has also covered Occasions for argument the kinds of arguments such as verbal disputes and physical confrontation. Chapter 1 also consisted of audiences for arguments such as a crowd like family or friends or even coworkers. Chapter 1 went over Appeals such as emotional appeals, ethical appeals, and logical appeals. This was what chapter1 was all about.
Samantha Rivers
January 18, 2009
Specific Day-To-Day Arguments
On any given day we are making tons of arguments without giving much thought to it, or even realizing it at all. There are obviously arguments that happen from time-to-time that are noticeable such as with friends, or debates between politicians for an upcoming election. Sometimes the more noticeable arguments don’t happen every day so you might not think you are witnessing or taking part in an argument every day, but in fact you really are. Before this year, I never realized exactly how many arguments I made on a regular basis. I always thought of arguments as a bad thing, but learning the differences in argument types made me realize arguments are necessary to make it through the day. Almost everything I do on a regular basis such as yoga, getting dressed in the morning for school, or doing my homework at night are all forms of argument that I was never aware of.
For me, yoga is something I do for myself to help me de-stress and disconnect from the world around me for just a little bit. Yoga is a type of meditation, and without doing it I would be very stressed out. In the book Everything’s an Argument, there is actually a section about meditation and prayer as a form of argument. Yoga brings me to find a truth about being relaxed. I am arguing with myself to become more relaxed by using breathing and stretching. For as long as I have been doing Yoga, I have never thought of it as a form of argument. Since Yoga is bringing me to believe some sort of truth such as being relaxed by using meditation, I can see how it is a form of argument.
Waking up every morning and deciding what to wear can be a difficult task at times. Up until I read the Rhetoric and Composition text book, I never realized that deciding what to wear was actually a very strong argument. Not only do I find myself arguing about things like wearing a blue polo or a white long sleeve shirt; but I am also arguing how I am presenting myself to the rest of the world. My personal appearance is an argument that leads me to see the truth about how I want to seen as to everyone else. I am arguing with the rest of the world how I want myself to be seen. Though I had never thought about it before, the clothes I wear is definitely a very strong argument that everyone makes every day.
Deciding when or if I should do my homework at nights is unfortunately an argument I have a lot. Usually the arguments I have with myself do guilt me into doing my homework on time, but sometimes I get the better of myself and procrastinate. I usually do well and I win the arguments with my procrastination side because I know in the end I need to get my homework done. Although I would much rather be doing something else, I am glad I can find the truth to getting my work done. I can definitely see this being a typical argument with college kids.
I have really started to learn all the arguments I make in one day without even realizing it. When I first read the title of our text book for Rhetoric and Composition, I thought it was exaggerating a lot. I mean how can everything be an argument? But I see now how most things can be taken in the context of an argument even though I never thought about it much before. Whether I am doing Yoga, dressing myself for school, or doing homework I am always making some sort of argument every day.
Trista G. Entry for Tuesday
The three types of arguments that I face on a day-to-day basis are the arguments to meditate or pray, arguments about the past, and arguments about the present. These are the three most common because I am a realist, my grandparents raised me Baptist, and my boyfriend is a history genius.
At the church that I was brought up in my grandfather was the deacon and like his right-hand man and my grandmother was a stern believer in God and all that he was capable of. She would always read us the bible before bed when I stayed over and she had a strict policy on us going to church. She was a deaconess at the church and was on almost every committee they offered. When my grandfather died I was about 13 or 14 years old. He was my best friend and when he passed away I pulled away from that side of my family. I didn’t go to the house often and when I did I was always right underneath my grandfather so I didn’t exactly get the same Godly training as my cousins did, so now at the age of 18, I do not know how to pray. When I say how to pray I mean like, what do I say, how do I address him, do I ask for forgiveness, and if so what should I want to be forgiven for, do I ask for material things that I need, or just pray for my whole situation? These questions flood my head all at once and my thoughts get cloudy. This leads to me getting frustrated and not finishing my prayer. This argument is one that I battle with myself about once a month and it never gets resolved. Sometimes I just pray the best way I know how. Which probably isn’t the most proper way. This example isn’t the best one to go by what the book is saying but I feel as though it means just as much as the other options they used to define the type.
My boyfriend loves history. This is odd because guys like my boyfriend tend to lean more towards, gym class, art, woodshop courses. But my boyfriend is a total geek. He likes history, chemistry, astronomy, astrology, the Greek gods and mythology, and other stuff. This surprised me when I first met him because he is a football player with broad shoulders and bad spelling and math skills. About twice a week, he comes home with questions that his teachers asked him in class. Questions that he already knows the answers to. He asks me something like baby when and where was the Battle of Gettysburg? And like a fool I’ll play into the whole thing and say, hmmm. wasn’t it fought in Pennsylvania during the civil war? And although my answer will be correct he will argue with me on how it started and how it ended and then he’ll go on to tell me that it wasn’t a really eventful important fight, and how its only important because someone important died. Now, for this whole explanation I won’t say a word, I will just sit and listen but he still argues with me. I guess this happens because I am an easy target. I think that he feels with me as if he can always win because I don’t know enough background information about the subject to prove him wrong. This seemed like a good example of the argument of the past because he battles with me about the relevance and importance of a historic event as it is in his mind.
I am a realist. This is what I say to everyone I meet, well almost everyone. When I am at home I have a very different type of people surrounding me. My group of friends are very controversial. But they never catch hard feelings about anything that is said during our conversations. We talk about a lot, everything, and we never hold back any of our feelings on a subject. Our latest topic when I was home for the holidays was the all of the last minute legislature Bush was making in the months of October and November. Some of our circle was impressed that he did it. They were like, I’m glad that he stepped up and made some decisions that was based in America for once in his reign. And the others were like, yeah he made decisions butt hey were bad decisions and will hard for Obama to reverse. This was when it really got hot, the conversation that is. This when all thoughts and comments were completely directed to the future and how we would, as a country, get around all the damage he has caused already and the damage that will arise from is last minute fuck you gesture to America and our environment. This seemed like a good explanation because we based our thoughts of the future on the decisions Bush made in the past.
Before entering this course I only thought of arguments as a verbal fight between people who had a disagreement and nothing more. I know that may seem a bit closed minded but I never really put much thought into this topic. After learning that there are many types of arguments, I now know that everyone including myself encounters an argument on more than one occasion a day. This leads me to say that I now think about the arguments I am involved in on a daily basis.
A specific argument I usually have on a day to basis is what I am going to wear. This decision does not make me a “pre-Madonna” by any means. Everyone wakes up in the morning and questions what they will wear through out the day. A lot of the time I battle my decision. Things I consider within my self are the weather conditions, color, and how the outfit looks on me. This leads me to choose a couple options and weight out the pros and cons. This may seem like I take a little longer to decide what to wear in the morning but really this argument comes naturally for everyone. It’s not necessarily about what I look like; all things pertaining can be considered. This argument would be classified as an “Argument to make decision”. This argument is commonly known as a battle within you and it happens numerous times through out a person’s day without them even realizing it.
I can recall frequently having an “Argument to inform” almost daily. This argument is self explanatory by its title. When I am driving in an area I am not really familiar with I will look at the road signs to inform myself where to travel. Everyday I notice speed signs to keep track of my acceleration to avoid a speeding ticket. These signs inform my driving whether it is what direction to take or speed to travel. When I first drove by myself in Portland I was nervous because I usually had someone with me who knew the area better and we’d help each other around. This time I had to do it all by myself with the help of the road signs. I encountered an informative argument the second I pulled off the highway onto the streets of Portland. This argument is made in different ways than this but I usually encounter this specifically everyday. I never really pay much attention to this type of argument. I usually just view it as looking at road signs for guidance and to benefit myself. I never view it as an “Argument to inform”. Even now that I know that this action is considered an argument, I probably won’t think do it and think, “Hey I’m engaging in an informative argument right now!” But it is nice to know and it’s definitely intriguing.
I am interested in learning more about the arguments people encounter through out the day and how they go about them. Now that we know what to consider an argument we can make more informed decisions. I would like to learn how to have a more successful argument with another person so it doesn’t lead to a fight. Although I may not think about the arguments I am making through my actions while I do them, but I am now informed where I can notice that an argument just occurred.
Ben Valley
There are many different arguments that I have on a day to day basis in my family alone. For the past several weeks my mom and I have been trying to make a decision on whether or not I should transfer from Husson University to another college for my major in criminal justice. I argue for the transfer to another college because I feel like Husson is to small a school for me. Since I went to school right here in Bangor it hasn’t really felt like a big enough change to college from high school. I see the same kids everyday and I know a lot of the kids that attend here. I just think overall it would be a better experience if I went somewhere out of state. Another reason why I want to go to another school is because I don’t want to become just a local police officer. I want to become a Federal Agent and I feel like if I get out to a bigger school that might challenge me more then I would benefit job wise later from it. I’m not certain it would I just feel like right now I’m missing opportunities. I pretty much argue to her that I need to get away and try things on my own and see how I will like the change on my own.
She also argues some good points too. She believes that by staying around here I will be more efficient in my work and would be a better student. She thinks that by going away I wouldn’t like it as much and home wouldn’t be here for me when I needed it. She tells me how I would hate the city if it was much more then Bangor’s size. Which is true, because I am somewhat of a country boy. Also, she tells me that by staying at a smaller college rather then a big one that I would be better off because I could get to know the professors more and they would know who I am also. I would have to say that this everyday argument between us would fall under the category of arguments to make a decision. We still have yet to come to a decision, but everyday we come closer to deciding what I should do.
Another argument that I have on a day to day basis in my house hold would be my parents efforts to convince me to stay at the dorms here at Husson. My mom as well as my father think that it would benefit my college experience a whole lot more if I lived in the dorms. She thinks I would make more friends and be more likely to do better. She also likes to argue that because if I lived in the dorms then I would be eating the cafeteria food instead of her having to cook dinner for me every night. I don’t blame her on that though. My father also thinks it would be better if I lived at the dorms because then he wouldn’t have to be paying all the electric bills that I seem to run up during the day. Whether it be leaving lights on or taking multiple showers.
These are all good points that they argue with me, so when we talk I also have to have an argument that shows why I wont. I argue that it is to close to home for me to live there. Since I’m across the river it’s kind of pointless because I would be home so much during the day or during a break. Also, since I have the choice between home cooking and food here at Husson, I think I vouch for a lot of people when I say that a home cooked meal is much more tasty then cafeteria food. Another reason why I’d rather live at home is because I couldn’t stand having a third roommate. Two is enough, but once you put three different guys into a room it just doesn’t seem pleasant to me.
I would have to say that out of all the arguments this one would fall under the category of arguments to convince because my parents keep trying to convince me to live on campus and stay here at Husson.
Matt Thebarge
Day to Day arguments
(Due Tue. Jan. 20th)
Arguments surround us throughout our everyday life. Some things, which may not even seem like an argument, can end up turning out to be just that, an argument. Not agreeing with that statement or any statement proves the point that arguments always are around us.
One argument that is always present in my day to day life is a big one. This argument does not particularly pertain to just me, but to everyone. This argument is how you should manage your money. Everywhere I go, I see things that I wouldn’t mind investing in. This could range from a T4 value meal at the local taco bell to buying new shoes, to paying $1,245 dollars for this class which I am typing a journal entry for. Managing money is definitely an argument to make a decision. I have to decide if what I am investing my money into is something worth while, something I will benefit from and whether it is short or long term satisfaction. Managing money is also most of the time a deliberative argument. I am putting my money into something to that will affect my future. They also can be ceremonial arguments in some cases like wondering if I put money into the right thing and weighing the pros and cons into what I just put my money into. I pay close attention this argument, but not as close as I probably should. I don’t “argue” within my self enough and end up making bad investments to the point where when I may need money, I might not have it. This argument to make decisions is something that I need to work on.
Another day to day argument that I go through is meeting new people. Now being more independent then I have in years past, I go places by myself like class or the library. At these locations there are sometimes people who I haven’t met yet and most likely they don’t know me either. Your first impression with someone is a good example of an argument to convince. With this first meeting between me and whoever, I am trying to convince them of who I am and what I do. This proves that first impressions are very important because if you don’t put up a good case for yourself, someone may preserve you as something that you truly aren’t. Not only are meeting new people convincing arguments but it is also arguments to make decisions. I have to decide whether or not to first talk not the person or approach them. It is an internal conflict before it becomes an external conflict. I pay pretty close attention to this argument of first impressions. I want people to see me for me and If, for instance, I am having a bad day, they may think of me as short tempered or something along those lines which is not who I am normally. I was always taught that first impressions are very important. I now can see it in another light by thinking of it as an argument, me pleading my case with someone on who I truly am.
There are so many day to day arguments. No matter where you are or what you are doing, an argument is close by. Whether it is what you are going to spend your money on or how someone envisions you when they first meet you, arguments are always there.
Julie R.
1/20/09
Day-To-Day Arguments
Through out my day to day life, I have many arguments. Sometimes it is with me and sometimes with other people in my life. With yourself the arguments start first thing in the morning. What time should you get up? How many times should you hit the snooze button? What to wear? Weather or not you should eat breakfast. What to eat for breakfast? Should you participate in class? Go to work? Eat a healthy or unhealthy lunch. Work out, hang out or study? So on and so forth. There are two arguments I have quite often. One is with myself and that is on what to wear. The other is with Scuba and that is over the tone in our voices.
Each night after a long day at school I look in my closet to pick out what to wear for the fallowing day. Now I’m not the type of girl puts fifteen thousand out fits on to find the perfect one. I pick out the outfit and wear it. The argument I do have with myself is how do I tell if the matches? Cause I do not want people picking on me because I do not match. So I pick out a pair of pants I would like to wear and a shit that looks good with those pants. I then look at the outfit to see if the colors go together. How do I tell? I ask someone. And then I fight with them because it is the outfit that I wanted to wear and I want it to match. How do I know what the weather is going to be like? How do I know how warm it is going to be in the building I will be in? These are all ideas that go through my brain when picking out something to wear on a day to day basis.
The next type of arguments I have is more with people than with me. In my relationship with Scuba I interpret his tone and the words he says. Our relationship has grown over the past two years. Sometimes I try to interpret what he is saying with the words he uses and the tone of his voice. The cusses an argument between us because I feel like something is wrong and there really is nothing wrong. There are a couple of instances I can think of for sure. I’m in the best mood ever. I call Scuba and see how his day is going. I say, “Hey! How are you?” his response is “fine. You?” I say “fine? What is the matter?” I never think nothing is wrong, that maybe for once he just feels content. This is just one. Another situation is picking out a place to eat, I might say suggest a place to eat and he says “yea sure.” How do I tell if that is how he really feels? Is he really ok with my suggestion? So I say something about this. Then he gets upset because I am questioning him when he said sure, it was not a firm answer for me there for I feel like he is not set on the place. He has something else in mind. But does not want to unsatisfied me my picking another place.
The last argument I have been having with myself is what to have for meals. I recently moved into an apartment by myself. Breakfast is easy for be to choose I do not have that much time. Therefore I pick something quick and easy. For lunch I try to eat leftovers from the night before or make tuna for the entire week. Sometimes I will even buy lunch meat. The biggest argument is after a long day at school, work then homework, what to make for dinner. I want to eat well. What I do not want is something that is first of all going to take a long time and then something that is going to taste good to me. Lastly I want something that is not going to take me a while to clean up. The hardest part is cooking only for one person.
Now that I’ve thought about arguments that are common in my every day living. I think about how many arguments I have with myself that I did not realize before reading everything’s an argument . Everything I do I think of what else I could be doing or weather or not it is a good time to do the event I am thinking about.
Tiffany L
January 19, 2009
Specific Day To Day Arguments
Although we don’t always notice it, we encounter different types of arguments on a day to day basis. I always thought that arguments were obvious ones like fighting with family, or friends. Before this semester, I never knew that anything could be an argument. Things such as a simple street sign is an argument. After reading chapter one of our text book, I realized that I encounter a whole lot of arguments on a day to day basis, without even noticing it. I always thought of arguments as a negative thing, but I’ve come to realize that everyday, whether I’m deciding when to do my homework, what clothes to wear, or working out at the gym, that all of these things are forms of arguments.
An argument that I have with myself a lot, is deciding when I should do my homework. I always say that I’m going to do the homework right when it is assigned, so that I can get it done, and in on time. Usually this doesn’t happen, and it gets done the next day. Unfortuneatley I have this argument all the time, because when it comes time to do the homework I think of reasons not to do it, but then guilt gets the better of me, and I end up doing it anyway. I come to this decision, because I know that in order to do well in the class, I have to do the homework whether I want to or not. I think that this is a common argument among students.
Another argument that I have everyday is what to wear. Everyday I think about what clothes that I want to wear, and if it’s cold, what sweatshirt that I want to wear over it, when going out. I never thought about it as an argument before, but now that the book has pointed it out, I can definitely see how it’s an argument. You argue with yourself, to try, and decide what to put on in the morning. I’ve come to realize that the clothes people wear, are making a statement, about how they want to be presented to other people in the world. Although I’ve never really taken a minute, and realized that by choosing the clothes I do, I’m making a statement about how I want to be seen, I’m going to really look closely, and think about how I want to be seen when deciding what to wear from now on.
Many times a week I go to the gym to exercise, to release stress, and anxiety. It really helps me to calm down, and to relax. I never realized that when I go to the gym that I argue with myself to work out longer every time I go, to build stamina. I never really thought of it as an argument. I’ve come to realize that deciding to stay longer is an argument that I have with myself.
Now that I know that anything can be an argument, I can now clearly pick out, and identify, specifically what the arguments are in my everyday life. I really look, and analyze what the different type of arguments that surround me are trying to state. I never knew that you could come in contact with so many arguments in one day, while just living your usual day to day life. Now that I know that arguments don’t have to be people fighting with each other over something stupid, it’s easier to see that other things can be thought of as arguments as well. I’ve learned that anything that surrounds you can be an argument, whether it’s picking out when to do your homework, what clothes to put on and wear, or even exercising, it doesn’t matter, they are all forms of some sort of argument that is being made.
Karina Durrell
Due Date: 1/19/09
There are many arguments that you encounter on a day-to-day basis. You might not realize that you are dealing with an argument, but if you really think about it, you are. Before reading this book, I never realized all of the argument that you have throughout the day and that things can be an argument if you come to some type of truth in the end.
One argument that I have on a day-to-day basis is when I get ready and I am deciding on what to wear. I always think about if my shirt matches my pants, what shoes I will wear with the outfit, what jewelry will go with my clothes, and depending on the weather, if I should bundle up or not. You are not only arguing with yourself on what you want to wear, you are also arguing how you are presenting yourself to other people. You would be arguing on how you want everyone else to see you. I never knew that what you wore was an argument and I never thought of just picking out my outfit as an argument.
Another argument that I face is when I am driving. I never realize it but when you see the street signs they are informing you of something. They tell you where you are going, what speed to go, and if you are going in the right direction. I have to face this everyday whether it is driving around Bangor, going to my camps, or just driving around. I always saw the signs on the road to be things that helped me out. I never paid much attention to the signs unless I need them to figure out where I was going and so I wouldn’t get pulled over for speeding and get a ticket. Now, I know that street signs are arguments to inform.
The last day-to-day argument that I face is arguments of the present. I decide who I am going to hang out with, what I should do throughout the day, and even what I want to eat. All of these decisions that you make, you argue with yourself with the different choices you have.
I know understand that an argument is a part of everyday life and can be things that you never even thought of. They can be very subtle and they don’t have to be between you and an associate. I am interested in learning more about arguments and how people come to conclusions with them.
Everyday Arguments
Everyday we face many arguments although we don’t exactly view them as arguments. I am constantly problem solving throughout the day and asking myself questions to try and get to the bottom of my problem. You also argue with other people on a day to day basis unless you stay at home and don’t talk to anyone through out the day. Some of the things I question myself and other people are big problems but mostly the arguments I get into on a day to day basis are small. Often times I will state an opinion to one of my parents or grandparents but I will listen to there argument with an open mind because they are older and wiser then I am.
Last semester I had a problem that kept coming up and I had troubles getting to the bottom of it. Because I had been in college for several months my money began to disappear and times were tight. I didn’t budget myself wisely and spent a lot of it on “party materials.” To add to my financial problems my truck had broken down with a serious engine problem for the third time since I bought it my sophomore year in high school. I had no idea on what to do and was constantly arguing with myself on how I could come up with the money to fix it. Finally after coming up with a few ideas I asked my parents what I should do. I told them my ideas but they argued them and I just listened. Because of my uncertainty I basically was just debating with them so they could find the flaws in my reasoning and I then would be able to come up with a better plan. As it turned out we got to the bottom of the problem and If I hadn’t argued my points with them I would of never been proven wrong and I wouldn’t of done the best logical thing.
Like I just wrote about, money is something we argue over everyday. Whether somebody owes you money, you try to get the bank to loan you money or you try to see if you can afford something new. Money is something worth arguing over because you work hard for it and it can be a serious argument with somebody you know or a simple argument with yourself.
Another thing I argue about everyday especially over the last few months is my future plans in life. Right now it has sunk in more then ever that whatever I do, and whatever decisions I make will have a big effect on my future. My choice in major and whether its the right decision for me and what I want to become. This has been a daily argument for me with myself and with my father especially. I have asked other people but my father has shown a special interest in what I should when I get out of college and what I should be prepared for. He started his business when he was in his twenties and it has expanded greatly. When I decided to go to Husson for business he was skeptical because he started his business without a business degree but just by going to a trade school. He doesn’t understand why I would want to go to school for four years to get a business degree when I could go to a trade school and be out in two years and know how to do the work in the field. This has been an on going argument between me and him for months now. The only thing is we don’t really fight about it we just talk and listen to each others opinions on the matter to see what I should actually do. This is important because I learn a lot more when we are both open minded.
These arguments are ones I deal with everyday. They may not be an extremely big arguments or important but they definitely are reoccurring. There are many more arguments in my life as well, but they don’t weigh on my mind as much as the ones I listed in this journal entry. I always argue with myself on what appropriate clothes to wear for the weather or which way I should drive on the way to school. These are all arguments that we all have, but the difference between them in my mind is there level of importance that they have on your life.
Nick Gimbel
Day to Day arguments: Due 1/20/09
Over the course of a day, many apparent and non apparent arguments are fluctuated throughout our consciousness. We may realize them as much as we do a punch to the face or we may simply overlook them as a petty object not worthy of our attention but in reality we subconsciously take them in as a very valid point. A couple types of arguments you encounter are brief exchanges of opinion, what you wear and what you see. These all are arguments in their own way, shape and form. Unavoidable as they are abundant, you can not miss them and the world would be very boring with out them.
During your endeavors of a day, there most likely will be a point in time when you will have your opinion on something and you may or may not voice it. For example, the probability of me getting into a friendly argument on January 20 is very good due to the fact that the president elect is not the person I voted for. Which would show an opposing opinion to those who did support the next president. I’m sure an exchange of opinion is imminent. These types of arguments happen daily on a massively broad spectrum of subjects. I can have an exchange of opinion on favorite sports teams to if I feel a particular issue in politics and the world today. This argument is entitled an argument to inform, do to you trying to voice the information you know to the opposing side. Information is key to the winning of an argument. Emotions can only carry you so far, but if you can back it up with solid facts, you will be the victor.
You wake up the morning, you grab a shower and put on some clean (hopefully) clothes and get ready for classes. The argument you are presenting is how you view yourself and the world around you. It also gives a valid argument about how you want the world to view you, if you care or if you do not. The wardrobe of a person could provide crucial (not always true) details about a person and gives a semi-valid argument. This is under the category, I believe, of informing. The way you dress provides information about you, believe it or not, in however large or minute way, it really does. It is not an argument that you expect or are aware of, it is just one that shouts out who you are.
The last argument that I shall speak on is the one you least expect, least expect more than the way you dress. Everywhere you drive, you find arguments everywhere! Stop, wrong way, go, please pay, red, green and on for a million other examples, these words are all informing you of what should be done as a driver. Obviously, as we learned from the time we could talk that red means stop and green means go. Every time we see one of these lights, it is providing an argument aimed to inform the driver of what is to be done. Which means, if you do what the signs say you are agreeing that is the correct choice, however if you run a read light, you are obviously showing a dissenting opinion of the aforementioned red light. Either way, the argument is present and is there to provide information and keep you safe.
1/20/09
There is not a day where you can go without having some sort of argument. You are making a point with everything you do whether it is with words, clothes, pictures, or text. Everyone’s arguments are different based on your own beliefs and thoughts. Everyday a new argument is brought up by your day to day activates, some may be more serious than others.
Every morning when I wake up, I think “do I want to go to class today?” This is a pretty stupid thought, because I know I only have so many absences and I am paying to get my education now. After ten minutes I finally drag myself out of bed and have to hurry to be on time. I tell myself I am going to get up everyday when my alarm goes off, but it never happens. Each day I have to work harder to get out of bed. This isn’t the only day to day argument I have in one day.
Recently I was moved to working in the electronics at Staples. Little did I know each time I walked into the store it was going to be hours of arguments with customers about what products they wanted to buy. After many questions like, what is the quality of the product, which one is most popular, why do the prices vary, and how does the product work? The argument was still not over. Next comes the protection plan. Here you have to persuade the customer why they should get the product replacement plan. For example, I got a HP printer. I got it a couple months before school started in August. I thought “nah I don’t need to spend the extra for the protection plan, it will not break on me.” Come to find out I came back from Thanksgiving break and I no longer had a printer. If I would of gotten that protection plan I wouldn’t have to spend an extra 100 dollars to buy a new one. When you give customers examples like that it persuades them to spend the extra, so they don’t have problems when there products break. Everyday when I walk in the store I think how many arguments will I have today and how many of them will be successful.
There are so many arguments that you can have day to day. You are making a point with everything you do whether it is with words, clothes, pictures, or text. I never thought of arguments this way until now. Now when I wake up I wonder how many different arguments I will have today, what they will be about and what they will come to conclusion too?
Melissa Breton
There is not a day where you can go without having some sort of argument. You are making a point with everything you do whether it is with words, clothes, pictures, or text. Everyone’s arguments are different based on your own beliefs and thoughts. Everyday a new argument is brought up by your day to day activates, some may be more serious than others.
Every morning when I wake up, I think “do I want to go to class today?” This is a pretty stupid thought, because I know I only have so many absences and I am paying to get my education now. After ten minutes I finally drag myself out of bed and have to hurry to be on time. I tell myself I am going to get up everyday when my alarm goes off, but it never happens. Each day I have to work harder to get out of bed. This isn’t the only day to day argument I have in one day.
Recently I was moved to working in the electronics at Staples. Little did I know each time I walked into the store it was going to be hours of arguments with customers about what products they wanted to buy. After many questions like, what is the quality of the product, which one is most popular, why do the prices vary, and how does the product work? The argument was still not over. Next comes the protection plan. Here you have to persuade the customer why they should get the product replacement plan. For example, I got a HP printer. I got it a couple months before school started in August. I thought “nah I don’t need to spend the extra for the protection plan, it will not break on me.” Come to find out I came back from Thanksgiving break and I no longer had a printer. If I would of gotten that protection plan I wouldn’t have to spend an extra 100 dollars to buy a new one. When you give customers examples like that it persuades them to spend the extra, so they don’t have problems when there products break. Everyday when I walk in the store I think how many arguments will I have today and how many of them will be successful.
There are so many arguments that you can have day to day. You are making a point with everything you do whether it is with words, clothes, pictures, or text. I never thought of arguments this way until now. Now when I wake up I wonder how many different arguments I will have today, what they will be about and what they will come to conclusion too?
Everyday people encounter different kinds of arguments without even knowing it. Anything in today’s society can be or become an argument. An argument can be as simple as trying to figure out what to wear, what to do with your day, what time to eat, and so on. The type of arguments I have are inner, self vs. self, elf vs. other, and deliberative. While reading Everything’s An Argument I better realized how specific types of arguments fit into my day to day life.
Everyday when I wake up in the morning I face my first arguments which is the decision whether to actually wake up or to sleep in for a little longer. I lay out the pros and cons of my decision. If I wake up when my alarm goes I have time to blow dry my hair and actually get dressed, and if I hit snooze I suffer the consequences of rushing and being to my class. So I argue my way to a decision, and make the choices. This type of argument is called an internal argument or self vs. self.
The next argument I have on a day to day basis is how to manage my time. For me time management is very difficult because I don’t have good perception of time. I either over estimate time or under estimate. So in order for me to fit everything in a day I need to lay a plan out for myself. I argue with myself and others around me about the task I have to complete in one day and when I want to do them.
In conclusion there are multiple argument you have everyday with yourself and others.
Julie-Anne Moore
Personal Arguments
If an argument is anything that seeks to lead someone to a truth, then are not most conversations, books, and music arguments? This paper is its own argument. Therefore, in one day I could experience hundreds if not thousands of arguments, though I would not recognize most of them as such. Every time I talk to friends, read a textbook, or listen to music on the radio, I am experiencing or taking part in an argument.
After a long week of classes and schoolwork, all most students want to do is relax and enjoy themselves on the weekend. Separately friends make their plans throughout the weekend or leave the weekend open to whatever diversion life may provide. Then, as the weekend approaches, friends ask each other what they have planned that weekend, informing each other of their exciting plans. Every weekend I go through this routine, telling my friends of the few, if any, diversions I have planned. Oftentimes these conversations either lead to me or one of my friends partaking in an activity that had not been previously planned. This outcome is a result of us being involved in one or more arguments to inform. As each of us alludes to our weekend plans, we are informing each other of our plans in hopes of convincing others to join us. Thus, we are aware of each other’s arguments to inform, with their somewhat subtle hints.
It seems as though every school day, either I am assigned a reading or a reading is due. As I grudgingly read a chapter in the chemistry or cell biology book, my mind is numb to the fact that I am being subjected to many arguments compacted into one or two chapters. When the book tells me that eukaryotic cells are comprised of a nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane-bound organelles, and an outer plasma membrane, I take this information as a fact and move on. In my mind, this is a simple statement to be accepted as a truth. Thus, the writers of the book have succeeded in leading me to some sort of truth, winning an argument without my realization.
Nonetheless, there are other times that I am reading a textbook, but realize that the author is presenting an argument. The reason why this time I realize that the textbook is putting forth an argument is because I disagree with the statement. This opposition to the material in the textbook was somewhat anticipated by the author, leading him/her to try to be as convincing and authoritative on the matter as possible. Consequently, the textbook is an argument to convince. Though earlier I had accepted the structure of the cell as being a fact, I cannot accept the statement that eukaryotic cells evolved millions of years ago from prokaryotic cells. I believe in Creation and not some primordial soup, leading me to an awareness of their argument to convince.
Many people listen to music of some sort everyday, whether it be rock, pop, country, or Christian. We choose our favorite songs because they have the right beat, or they are by our favorite artist, or the lyrics somehow relate to us. Currently we can listen to music at almost any time we want. Music surrounds us-it surrounds us with arguments.
Even though I do not own an iPod or any such device, I listen to music copiously each day. I turn on the radio as I am commuting to school or as I am writing my next paper. Unlike most of my peers, I listen to Christian music. This music gives me what I need to get through he day. The songs with a variety of themes are occasionally punctuated by the voice of the DJ expanding upon the theme of the last song. I normally quietly listen, paying attention to every word, and contemplating the message’s application to my life. Subsequently, I realize that the thoughts and emotions the monologue is evoking are the product of a deliberate argument to meditate or pray. The radio DJ is not simply filling the airwaves just to waste time, but is attempting to make the radio audience think about the message of the previous song. Perhaps without the help of the DJ, I would not think so much about the hopeless people mentioned in the song. Though I realize that the DJ is presenting an argument to pray, I had not heard quite as much of an argument in the song. Furthermore, though the song does, like the DJ’s monologue, evoke feelings of thankfulness and a desire to help others, I had not been as aware then of these feelings as I am after the monologue. Only after the argument is reiterated, do I fully realize that I have been listening to an argument to meditate or pray.
January 20, 2009
When most people think of an argument they would think of a disagreement between two people. After reading the first chapter in our book I realized that there are so many different ways to look at what an argument actually is and the assumption that arguments are all about to people yelling and screaming is clearly very wrong.
While reading I found out that different types of arguments can be categorized on what they are actually about. Everyday we are faced with “Arguments to Inform” when most of the time we don’t even realize it. In the newspapers, in our textbooks, computer screen pop-ups, billboards, t.v. commercials, street signs. Street signs are to inform you when something is coming so you are prepared. You make the decision on weather or not to slow down if there is a sharp corner coming. These are all things that people encounter daily. Some are used to persuade people and make them believe what they are telling is the truth through supposed facts. A prime example of arguments to inform is when big companies are trying to sell their products by informing you about their major competitions downfalls. They also use things to catch your eye, something that they think will be the first thing that you notice or a catchy phrase people can relate to. “Loose 10 pounds in 7 days!” In the U.S. over 65% of the population is obese, to some of these people this could be something that would catch their eye and make them want to believe. T.V. commercials are big for this; they have people on their commercials telling stories with before and after pictures. This informs people it worked for them, why wouldn’t it work for everyone? “Arguments to Inform” is a very good example to show you that there can be good arguments and there can be bad arguments.
The argument category that I feel most closely related to is “Arguments to Make Decisions.” This argument takes place within you and what you think is the best decision for yourself. Everyday I make decisions based on what I think is best for me. When deciding what is best for you most people will go through a list of pros and cons before they come up with their final decision. In the fall I argued where I should attend college. Somewhere that is close to home or far away? A college with lots of students or where you knew everyone’s name? Does this school cost too much? I also thought about what I was really interested in studying. This was a big argument for me, I was really unsure what I wanted to do and all the pros and cons of each major ran though my head daily before I finally made my decision. Will the work load be too much? Will I actually enjoy this? Does this major financially worth all of the work? Sometimes I still argue it may have not been the right choice for me.
Some other smaller arguments that I find myself making often would be what time I got up in the morning and what time I go to bed at night. Another one based on time management. What is most important to do first? If I want to do something now will I have time to do the things I need to do later? There are so many arguments that you think about within yourself everyday that you don’t even realize you are doing until you actually sit down and think about it.
Reading this has made me realized that there are a lot of very important arguments that happen. If I hadn’t of argued with myself one where to go to school and I picked the first school that came up on the list while searching my major, I may have been some place that I really may not have liked. Argumentative decisions have a major impact on your life and this has taught me to make them very carefully.
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