The Rogerian Argument and Assignment Guidelines
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English 1213: English Composition 2 C. Verschage Professor of English
Essay #4: Rogerian Argument
“Compromise, n. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he ought not to have, and is deprived of nothing except what was justly his due.” -- Ambrose Bierce. “A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence; or a good piece of music. Everybosy can recognize it. They say, ‘Huh. It works. It makes sense” -- Barack Obama. “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece” – Ludwig Erhard.
Welcome to your last essay assignment!
Often arguments which center on refuting an opponent’s perspective are often antagonistic and can cause people to lose their morale and identity, their desire to work together, and drive to succeed. Consequently, the best approach when dealing with an audience whose position is in direct opposition with your own is a Rogerian argument.
What is a “Rogerian Argument”?
A Rogerian Argument (also known as a “Common Ground Argument”) is built upon the work of psychologist Carl R. Rogers, who advocated a type of communication called “empathetic listening,” and to come to conclusions or decisions that benefit both parties (or what is known as a “win-win”). He felt that a person should listen to the point of view of his or her adversary and to come to a conclusion that takes into account this other perspective. A Rogerian argument takes this idea and applies it to the essay format. A Rogerian structure acknowledges that a subject can be looked at from different standpoints. Also, this approach can strengthen any argument since it demonstrates that one has considered other possibilities before arriving at a belief. In closing you will summarize what you have learned through careful analysis and compromise. For example, if you took the topic Carpe Diem (“Seize the
1
English 1213: English Composition 2 C. Verschage Professor of English
Essay #4: Rogerian Argument
“Compromise, n. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he ought not to have, and is deprived of nothing except what was justly his due.” -- Ambrose Bierce. “A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence; or a good piece of music. Everybosy can recognize it. They say, ‘Huh. It works. It makes sense” -- Barack Obama. “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece” – Ludwig Erhard.
Welcome to your last essay assignment!
Often arguments which center on refuting an opponent’s perspective are often antagonistic and can cause people to lose their morale and identity, their desire to work together, and drive to succeed. Consequently, the best approach when dealing with an audience whose position is in direct opposition with your own is a Rogerian argument.
What is a “Rogerian Argument”?
A Rogerian Argument (also known as a “Common Ground Argument”) is built upon the work of psychologist Carl R. Rogers, who advocated a type of communication called “empathetic listening,” and to come to conclusions or decisions that benefit both parties (or what is known as a “win-win”). He felt that a person should listen to the point of view of his or her adversary and to come to a conclusion that takes into account this other perspective. A Rogerian argument takes this idea and applies it to the essay format. A Rogerian structure acknowledges that a subject can be looked at from different standpoints. Also, this approach can strengthen any argument since it demonstrates that one has considered other possibilities before arriving at a belief. In closing you will summarize what you have learned through careful analysis and compromise. For example, if you took the topic Carpe Diem (“Seize the