Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students, Chapter 3
This chapter was interesting, because it highlighted the investigative means necessary in order to develop a strong and cohesive argument. It was helpful to look at how Staseis was and is used to develop every argument, and to use it to look at contrary point of views that people may have regarding a certain issue.
I think that it is especially important for people to realize that arguments are dependent upon contradiction. Without some sort of contradiction or debate, an argument lacks strength and function. It was interesting that the Older Sophists argued that "contradictory arguments provided fruitful starting points for the exploration of a particular issue," because, after all, there are always at least two sides to every argument available.
While many people are able to argue, there are effective tools necessary to learn in order to be an effective speaker and writer. While arguments may be addressed with one's own personal writing or speech, this chapter helped highlight various important aspects within a cohesive argument, and how to strengthen your own arguments. This was interesting to talk about in class, because many parts of the essay and developing an argument were addressed.
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