Thank You for Arguing Reading Logs
Vincent Nguyen
8/15/11
Pg. 1
Chapter 1 Entry
“…rhetoric offers a grander, metaphysical payoff: it jolts you into a fresh new perspective on the human condition. After it awakens you to the argument all around, the world will never seem the same.” (6)
In chapter one, “Open Your Eyes,” Heinrichs states that argument is an important social element that surrounds everyday life. People who uses rhetoric, the art of argument, tends to succeed in persuading others to do their bidding. Many powerful politicians today mastered this tool. The most toughest arguments can be won with this art. Rhetoric has helped mankind develop complex societies, codes, and laws. “Every one of America’s founders studied rhetoric, and they used its principles in writing the Constitution (4)”. An example of someone using rhetoric effectively is a U.S. president attempting to persuade the citizens to vote for him. The president’s goal is to “manipulate” or “seduce” the voters into thinking that voting for him may be the best choice for the country. This may lead to a consensus about who will be the leader of America. To win the election, however, the candidates must persuade the people with an elaborate speech. The best speeches tends to have rhetorical devices. Former President John F. Kennedy was very good at speeches since he used rhetoric effectively by using devices such as chiasmus.
"Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." - JFK
8/15/11
Chapter 2 Entry
“You succeed in an argument when you persuade your audience. You win a fight when you dominate the enemy.” (16)
In chapter two, “Set Your Goals,” the author talks about setting a goal and the difference between arguing and fighting. Fighting is someone trying to dominate the opponent with aggression. Arguing is someone trying to persuade the opponent with speech. Many people fail to realize the distinctive line between the two. Fighting does not persuade , it only
8/15/11
Pg. 1
Chapter 1 Entry
“…rhetoric offers a grander, metaphysical payoff: it jolts you into a fresh new perspective on the human condition. After it awakens you to the argument all around, the world will never seem the same.” (6)
In chapter one, “Open Your Eyes,” Heinrichs states that argument is an important social element that surrounds everyday life. People who uses rhetoric, the art of argument, tends to succeed in persuading others to do their bidding. Many powerful politicians today mastered this tool. The most toughest arguments can be won with this art. Rhetoric has helped mankind develop complex societies, codes, and laws. “Every one of America’s founders studied rhetoric, and they used its principles in writing the Constitution (4)”. An example of someone using rhetoric effectively is a U.S. president attempting to persuade the citizens to vote for him. The president’s goal is to “manipulate” or “seduce” the voters into thinking that voting for him may be the best choice for the country. This may lead to a consensus about who will be the leader of America. To win the election, however, the candidates must persuade the people with an elaborate speech. The best speeches tends to have rhetorical devices. Former President John F. Kennedy was very good at speeches since he used rhetoric effectively by using devices such as chiasmus.
"Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." - JFK
8/15/11
Chapter 2 Entry
“You succeed in an argument when you persuade your audience. You win a fight when you dominate the enemy.” (16)
In chapter two, “Set Your Goals,” the author talks about setting a goal and the difference between arguing and fighting. Fighting is someone trying to dominate the opponent with aggression. Arguing is someone trying to persuade the opponent with speech. Many people fail to realize the distinctive line between the two. Fighting does not persuade , it only