Final Blog Post

From the start of the semester, my views regarding argumentation and debate in our culture have completely transformed. I learned that there is an argument in almost everything that we encounter in life, and that some arguments are significantly stronger and more effective than others.

Personally, throughout this course I have found that minds can be changed most effectively by utilizing a Logos and Pathos appeal. Because humans are such emotional beings, adding emotional concerns to an argument can definitely sway most audiences. Facts and statistics in the Logos appeal is also extremely effective. It is hard for an audience to argue with facts. I have also found that our culture has transformed into a VERY visual culture. People like to see creative, pretty, and exciting images and it plays a ridiculous role in how we process messages. People focus more on the image rather than the importance of the message. Much of this can be attributed to the heavy use of social media and how it has opened many opportunities for various methods of arguing.

I also learned about the power dynamics behind argumentation. Giant corporations and other people of power tend to be experts in using argumentation as a tool to control others. In my opinion, it definitely has the capacity to change the world. For example, the Uncle Sam “I Want You to Join the U.S. Army” posters. This argument convinced so many young men to enlist and sacrifice their lives during a time of war.

The more I analyzed arguments throughout the semester, the more I developed by ability to dissect the arguments and determine their effectiveness and appeal with particular audiences. Now it is impossible for me to look at anything without over-analyzing the argument they are making, the strength of their argument, and what their target audience most likely is. It is definitely annoying (especially for my friends), but entertaining nonetheless.