Strategies for addressing opposing or alternate views

When dealing with opposing or alternate views, there are several paths you could take. You could omit the opposing view all together and act as if it does not exist. You could refute the opposing view by proving that it is false. You could concede to the opposing view by reluctantly admitting that the opposing view is at least partially correct. Or, you could incorporate the opposing view into your opinion.

            Arguments fall into one of three types. The types are the one-sided argument, the multisided argument and the dialogic argument. When writing an argument, one of the first things to consider is who is the intended audience and what is their point of view. Determining who you will be writing to will help you in deciding on which type of argument to utilize. The views of the audience will range from strongly supportive to strongly opposed and everywhere in-between. Attempting to gauge your audience’s position on the issue will also guide you in choosing the type of argument.

            The one-sided argument presents only your position on the issue without summarizing and responding to alternative viewpoints or opinions. It is direct and to the point. The one-sided argument is used when the target audience is strongly supportive of the issue and your intent is to put forth a new or different point of view.

            The multisided argument offers your position, but also summarizes and responds to potential objections and different points of view. This type of argument is practical when appealing to an audience that is neutral or undecided on the issue at hand. You would provide the opposing points of view, but then either disprove the opposition altogether or admit that the opposing view is only partially correct and restate your position on the issue.

            The final type of argument, the dialogic argument, is the utilized when appealing to a resistant audience. In this type of argument, you present yourself as uncertain or searching for an answer to the issue.  You are attempting to seek common ground or open lines of communication with the audience. You may never change the audiences mind on the issue; however you may reduce the resistance and persuade them to genuinely listen to another point of view. You might even begin to find solutions to mutual problems.

            When it comes to determining which type of argument to utilize, the single most important factor to consider is the audience. You must know your audience in order to succeed. If you do not know your audience, the argument is destined to fail and your ethos will be greatly damaged.

Works Cited

Ramage, John D., Bean, John C., and Johnson, June. Writing Arguments, A Rhetoric with Readings. 8^th Ed. New York, NY. 2010. Print.