Argument as Inquiry Chapter 2

“Is it possible in America today to convince anyone of anything he [or she] doesn’t already believe?”

“When should I change my mind?” “How can I change your mind?” Should ask, “When should I change my mind?” RATHER THAN “How can arguers participate in a ‘mingling of the minds’ and use argument productively to seek answers to problems?” “How can I change your mind?”

To position ourselves as inquirers as well as persuaders: engage thoughtfully with alternate points of view truly listen to other perspectives examine own values and assumptions PERHAPS change views

Thinker’s goal: live with questions acknowledge uncertainty and complexity Thinker’s goal: resist settling for simple or quick answers

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Exploring Ideas by Freewriting writing on issue nonstop (remember “relax, relax, relax” and “I’m stuck”) Now you try:

Exploring Ideas by Idea Mapping Place “trigger idea” in center of circle and ideas in branches and subbranches

Believing and Doubting Game First, write as if you are wholly sympathetic to the idea. Suspend disbelief--Find/list reasons to believe Then, write as a judgmental or critical reading. Find best counterexamples and inconsistencies