Aspects of Argument

In literature, argument has grown to become one of the most popular forms of writing. The process of writing argument is very artistic and if written correctly, one argument can speak volumes. Although the word argument is usually associated negatively among the context or two different things, the term argument represents a debate and persuasion. The main purpose of writing argument is to convince others of a point of view and to defend that viewpoint. Within this style of writing, many assertions or claims are used so the author can define the topic through his eyes. This allows the author to dictate how the reader takes in the information, adding to the persuasion.

Throughout argument writing, the author will use three different appeals in order to significantly strengthen his debate. Logos, Pathos, and Ethos are each three unique appeals that complete the rhetorical triangle. These appeals allow the author to strategically align his argument in a way that will connect the writer, reader and message all together. Emotionally affecting the reader through the use of pathos can help the reader connect with the argument. Implementing the use of ethos builds the character of the author and makes him seem more credible. Also, the use of logos allows the use of statistics which renders an argument logical and factual. Each of these three appeals must be used effectively in order to create a well rounded argument.

Dating back to ancient Greece, famous philosopher Aristotle set up the format of what we now call the classical scheme of argument. Astonishingly, this same organizational technique is still used today to create the most convincing arguments. The approach he preaches is known as deductive reasoning because the claim is stated first and then supporting details follow throughout the text. The inverse of this, the inductive approach, is also used and provides its own advantages for appealing to readers. However, one of these styles should be adhered to in order to write an first-rate classical argument.

Argument or Debate?