The Art of War.......(I mean, Argument)

I never learned to write an argumentative paper. I wasn't even aware that such a thing existed until we started talking about it in class the other day. Whenever they wanted me to write a paper (they being the collective group of teachers who've been a part of my life) they'd say something like, "Write a paper based on the Treaty of Versailles and how it affected WWII." The closest thing that I can think of was in 2010 when we briefly touched on Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. However, even then we only called it a "speech" or "persuasive paper" and really didn't talk about the argument part.

That being said, I love a good argument. I enjoy debate (as long as it doesn't get vicious or personal) and I love the idea that my words are building a bridge in someone else's mind, a path to my way of thinking, while exposing the flaws in their own theories. But just so you don't get the wrong idea about me, I think of an argument as a means to an end. It's difficult to construct a good argument, and takes much to much brainpower and/or self control to effectively argue every day.

So, how does one write a good argument? There are a few things that I've gleaned from my own personal experience and people along the way. One of these people was General Sun Tzu, born in 544BC. He once said, "The art of war [or argument] teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him."

First, take a stance. You might laugh and say this is a stupid step, but how often do you read a paper where the author just rambles on and dances around any form of written commitment? That's a constant problem at the Davis Campus Writing Center. When I say take a stance, I really do mean TAKE A STANCE!! Arguments are not for sissies. In regards to commitment, Sun Tzu said, "An army prepared to defend its beloved homeland from capture, or an army cornered and fighting for its life, when compared to an army fighting without due cause, will find its soldiers’ commitment to a fight to be five times that of the enemy."

Second, develop your stance. Learn about your position, whether it's the ridiculous lack of night life in Utah, or advocating prayer in schools. It can even be something as simple as trying to convince overconcerned parents that watching Paranormal Activity will not corrupt you. Learn everything you can about the issue, any and all details that might sway your opponent one way or the other. According to General Tzu, "What enables the wise sovereign to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond ordinary men, is foreknowledge.

Third, play devil's advocate. Think of every possible way that your argument could be flawed. Pick it completely to pieces. During this step, you may discover that your position is very weak, and that it is necessary to return to step one. If so, please do. Weak arguments are pathetic at best. After all, Tzu said, "Invincibility lies in the defense."

Fourth, think about the other person's argument. Prepare to shred it in the metaphorical blender of your airtight argument. Don't just think of only a few examples because that "probably will be enough." Do you want to win your argument or not? Tzu said, "The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand."

Fifth, think about your audience. Decide what type of appeals will sway them most, be it facts, logic, and statistics, or emotions and feelings. Consider whether to be respectful (because they are in a position of authority) or imperceptibly condescending (because they are your inferiors). If they are the type that believes in their opinion so completely that they won't even deign to argue with you, it might be a lost cause. In that case, go back to step one and reconsider your own position, and the purpose of your argument. Remember, if someone will argue with you, they're not as sure of their position as they seem. General Tzu said, "Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.

Sixth, practice statements. Plan ways to present the favorable evidence in the most positive of lights. Say them in front of a mirror, if needed. The goal is to appear unrehearsed, because people generally like being manipulated. Practice responding to the attacks against your own position in a natural and fluid manner. In Sun Tzu's opinion, "Without constant practice, the officers will be nervous and undecided when mustering for battle; without constant practice, the general will be wavering and irresolute when the crisis is at hand."

Seventh, prepare for battle. You're going in there to win that argument, be it that debate tournament, or just the issue with Mom wearing 80s clothing in public. Don't loose your calm. Ever. Anger is an emotion that clouds your judgement and makes it harder to remember your plans. You're ready. Tzu taught us that “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

Remember...

"Such is the art of warfare."