Response to "Argument as Conversation"

          In his article "Argument as Conversation", Stuart Greene attempts to explain how scholarly inquiry is different from an argument and more similar to a conversation. He also attempts to explain to the reader how to engage in such inquiry. He argues that a scholarly inquiry is a more researched kind of conversation and only relates to arguments due to it's back-and-forth nature.
          This article is quite similar to the previous, "'Create a Research Space' (CARS) Model of Research Introductions". The similarities between the two are that they both attempt to explain writing as more of a science than an everyday chore.

          Getting Ready to Read

          I would define an argument as a fight using language to attempt to prove someone wrong on a certain topic. In everyday conversation the word seems to have a negative connotation associated with it, as if people want to stay away and out of arguments. In an academic setting the word seems to be associated with intellectual debates and research papers. The difference between the two is quite obvious, the first is associated with brutism and the second is associated with intelligence.

 Questions for Discussion and Journaling

2.)            

In paragraph 6 Greene quotes Burke in order to better get his message across to the reader. Burke’s idea fits perfectly into Greene’s argument that arguments have an infinite back-story, or history. The “oft-quoted passage” is a perfect extended metaphor describing this using the image of an argument taking place in a parlor. In this argument one man leaves only to have another man take his place, and each man keeps gaining supporters on his or her side until the starters of the argument are no longer present. At some point during this situation the original arguers leave and the argument continues and progresses more. This metaphor presents writing as ongoing and infinite. Every topic we argue has an infinite history. Another idea about writing that this challenges is that writings have one voice behind them but this would suggest that writings have an infinite number of inspirations.

3.)

            The concept of framing is to setup a written piece in a light that supports your side of the argument. The underlying metaphor is that of a photographer setting up his shot. The photographer tries to show his picture in the same way he sees it, whether that be lighting change, angles or Photoshop. This concept is important for Greene because he needs to get readers to see his point of view. Framing allows the writer to get the reader to see differently and possibly change his/her mind about a subject.

Applying and Exploring

2.)

            Greene’s article itself is a conversation between the reader and itself. He frames his argument by backing himself up with other’s arguments and sources. Greene definitely practices what he preaches in “Arguments as Conversation”.

          I found this article extremely interesting. Once again looking at reading as a science is amazing! And the quote from Kenneth Burke really got me thinking, and not just about writing! Will it be helpful to me? I really think so, it so far has really increased my interest and focus when reading. I also think it will help me when arguing and debating, rather than being biased in an argument i'll start looking into others peoples side and actually learn rather than be stubborn.