Blog Post #5: The Limits of Logic

16/12/2016

What is the purpose of argument? Is it important to argue with proper reasoning?

To answer this question I think you have to understand what an argument is first so this is google's definition, "an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one. A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory." When we hear the word "argument" we associate it with heated or intense discussions of two people trying to prove a point which could be considered a verbal fight. However, I believe they can be extremely civil if the two parties are civil with this is mind I think there are many reasons for people to argue.

Arguments have to purpose of resolving two conflicting thoughts, opinions or ideas with the result of one being on top, right or seen as the better option. People start arguments to disprove others, this drive to disprove someone else can simply be caused by them wanting the other party to realise how they are wrong or what they are supporting is wrong. The drive may be caused by them wanting to the other party to understand their own logic or how their logic is wrong. It may be caused by personal emotional issues of two people which believe they have been wronged in some way, if someone has been wronged they want the cause to understand what they did was wrong, feel bad for it and apologise or change something. Arguments can be caused by a human's ego or pride with them wanting to be the ultimate "winner" that's why some people can be characterised as argumentative or looking for conflict. They have the ability to be well structured and logical with the purpose of the greater good of a cause like the presidential elections, you may consider it as a form of arguing. As the candidates are trying to argue and prove that they are better and could help the country the most with their points.

Is it important to argue with proper reasoning? This is quite hard to answer but I think arguing with proper reasoning is extremely important as it can be the deciding factor of whether or not it is a discussion or fight. If someone were to argue their point with proper reasoning and ideas to support a point they have a passion for then it allows them to focus more on civilly discussing their points with the intent of getting the other party to understand. A person who is arguing with a point and logical reasoning will be more focused on the discussion of points at hand than the argument itself. Someone who has this in mind will be more understand and communicative of their points while listening to the other person's perspectives. Many get so caught up in "being right" they forget what the argument is about or base it off something that has no actual logic or reasoning like grasping at straws.