The main idea of chapter three in Thank You for Arguing was that there are three tense to use in an argument. The three tenses are blame for the past, values for the present, and choice for the future. This was a little confusing at first, but the more I read the more sense it made and I could see how each tense fit with the arguement type.
Blame is used to say who did something or who is responsible for an action. If you look at conversations were blame is used, you will see that these conversations are set in the past tense. Some examples for this would be blaming someone for eating all the pizza. This would be set in the past because someone has already eaten the pizza.
Value is used for the present because it has to do with what is happening at that time. Value is found in conversations that have to do with political matters or matters that have a value to others. An example the book gave was using values in an argument about abortions. This one is the most confusing for me and I still dont totally undersatand it, but the basic concept of it is that value is linked with whatevere is happening now.
Choice is used as the future tense because it is indicating that you will do something. Choice is also used in the future tense because there are often many different choices that you can make. An example that the book gave was a wife asking her husband to turn down the volume on the tv. He says that he will do that, but then he says or would you like to watch something else.
Thank you for putting these out into detail and for describing what each tense does. Every tense has a very solid purpose but I just wanted to go into more detail about when to use each one. In each tense there is a special objective and they all are trying to get to the point. Choice pretty much sets up an entire argument and encourages the person you are arguing with to do something. Value is important because it can be used very powerful but is also very sentimental with people because of how sensitive the topic is. Blame is not a good tense of an argument and you will likely lose.
ReplyDeleteOut of the three that you pointed out blame is the worst tense that you could use. If you start to place the blame on the other person in this argument you might as well count it as a lost. The other side will shut down and will not hear anymore of your point. On the other hand VALUE is the better tense to use. By pointing out what the other party wants and believes they will be more willing to agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI think using blame or past tense rhetoric can be effective. It sets guilt into the opponent or person you are trying to influence. They are more likely to be willing to make a compromise or understand your side if he or she feels bad about what they did.
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