Rogerian Argument: A Strategy for Compromise and Persuasion
Rogerian argument is a strategy that tries to encourage people to listen to each other and reach compromise on issues. This technique has been used in social sciences and humanities for decades, and it is still an effective method of persuasion today.
The Origins of Rogerian Argument
It was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s by the University of Michigan professors Richard Young, Alton Becker, and Kenneth Pike. They borrowed the term from Anatol Rapoport, who was a peace activist at that time. They were influenced by the psychology of Carl Rogers, who was one of the founders of social learning theory and the development of game theory as an academic discipline.
The Key to Using Rogerian Argument
The key to using Rogerian argument is to get under the skin of your audience and present their viewpoints as strongly as you would your own. This process is called "Rogerian understanding" and can be a useful tool in any type of communication, especially when the stakes are high. It helps ease the tension and stress of discussing controversial issues since it is designed to identify genuine grounds for shared understanding (Rogers 336).
How to Write a Rogerian Essay
The first step in writing a Rogerian argument is to research your topic and fully understand the issue at hand. This will help you form the main points for your essay and identify any opposing views. You may also want to write a statement of your viewpoint and propose a solution to the problem.
Next, it is important to begin your essay with a strong introduction that gives insight into your viewpoint and gives your reader a reason to read further. This should include a quote or fact related to the topic that is interesting and that will grab your audience's attention.
After your introduction, it is important to explain how your opinion will benefit the audience and why you believe your view is better than the other side's. This will show your reader that you are truly concerned with the interests of your readers and that you have considered their point of view.
Your essay should then be balanced and present the advantages of both sides while mentioning the drawbacks to each side. You should also highlight the work that is required to achieve the desired resolution, and you should be able to demonstrate that your opinion will meet the values of both sides.
You should be able to present your opinion in a clear, concise manner and be sure to cite your sources correctly. This will make your essay easier for your readers to understand and give them a good reading experience.
Conclusion
Lastly, you should be able to end your essay with a conclusion that leaves your readers with something to think about and consider. It is important to remember that your essay will not always be convincing, and you should leave some room for discussion.
The most important thing to remember when writing a Rogerian essay is to remember to be fair and neutral toward your readers' opinions. This is crucial to your essay's credibility and will help you make the most of your arguments.
