Week 9 Objectives - Refutation and Concession

Week 9 Objectives

1. Read about the mock grades you will receive.
2. Start taking this project seriously. Too many of you are still on your brainstorming or research questions. You are responsible for managing your own time, and we expect high quality first drafts due October 26.
3. Read this post about the 4th part of the classical argument, the refutation and concession.
4. Read the example refutation and concession.
5. IF you have finished all the objectives before week 9, write your own refutation and concession. If not, catch up!

What is the objective of a persuasive essay?

- To persuade

Can you persuade someone who agrees with you?

- No

What kind of people can you persuade?

- People who disagree with you. 

A common technique to persuade people who disagree with you is to examine their arguments and point out why they're wrong. To do this successfully and effectively, you must do the following things. 1) Anticipate their arguments. 2) Create strong counterarguments. 3) Strengthen your persuasive argument. 

Let's do an exercise. This is my persuasive thesis: Dogs are more suitable pets than cats. Here are my arguments: Dogs are friendlier, more playful and can go on trips with you. 

Now let's think about the counterarguments.

What arguments will cat lovers use?

- Cats do not drool. Cats use litter boxes. You can leave cats by themselves for a few days at a time. 

What counterarguments will you use for them?

- Dog drool is not gross and actually getting licked by your dog is fun and an enjoyable bonding experience. Taking your dog for a walk is a good excuse to go for a walk, and having a box full of poop in your house is gross. Dogs can go with you when you go on trips, so they don't need to stay home alone. 

How will you use this to strengthen your argument? 

- The opposition's arguments seem to be based on some pretty undesirable situations. First, cats are supposedly better than dogs because they don't demonstrate affection for people by licking them. Personally, I enjoy that bonding experience with my dog. Second, I don't understand how having a box full of poop hidden in your house is better than having a nice walk around the block with your dog. Last, it seems like the opponents are saying that one of the best reasons to have a cat is that it is easy to get away from your pet. As a dog owner, I don't want to get away from my pet, and actually I enjoy going on road trips with him. 

Do you see how I argued against the (imagined) opponent and also included new affirmative arguments for my own position? 

Here's a question: If you anticipate an argument from your opponent you cannot counter, should you include it in your refutation and concession?

- NO. Never weaken your own argument.