8 Steps

Chapter six lists eight steps that can help us improve our arguments. First, we must develop a list of premises. After that, we move onto eliminating irrelevant premises, establishing a conclusion, organizing our arguments, testing our arguments, revising it if we need to and lastly acting on our conclusion. I found the section regarding the eight steps and premises to be very interesting. It made me realize how inadequate some of my arguments have been in the past and how I can hope to improve them in the future. I liked how this chapter showed that there is a proper way to argue with someone that minimizes the risks of hurting feelings or offending. I’ve never really liked arguing with people. I would much rather discuss the matter like an adult. However, with what I have learned from this chapter, I feel like I am ready to tackle the next argument that comes my way.

Question 2 (Standing Your Ground)

I cannot say there has ever been a time in my life where standing up for something has put me in risk of losing my friends or job. Of course, that is not to say that I’m the sort to cower away from confrontation. It is rather that none of my relationships had been flimsy enough to have been broken by one disagreement, at least not the ones that truly mattered to me. None of the bosses I have worked under ever put me in a position where I needed to stand my ground against them either. I think the reason I have never found myself in this sort of position is because I instinctively surround myself with tolerant and understanding people, who are more inclined to discuss different point of views rather than argue about them. I do believe that if I was ever put in the position in which I needed to stand up for what I believed, even at the risk of my relationship or job, I would take a stand and do what is right. I think what I’ve learned in this chapter would help me stand my ground.

Question 1 (Same-sex Marriage)

President Obama opposes gay marriage, but does support civil union between same-sex couples. I think most would say he contradicts himself by supporting gay marriage, but not following through and making sure they receive the same rights as other married couples. I can see how his hesitation can make it confusing to determine which side he truly stands for. However, I can also see how absolute support of gay marriage might put him in a position to alienate those who are against it. I, personally, see no reason why same-sex couples should be denied the right to marry one another. Then again, I am not president nor can I imagine the pressure that comes with trying to be for everyone when there are hardly any instances in which everyone agrees. Given President Obama’s recent actions, I would think he would respond to Nava and Dawidoff by trying to find a way to appeal to all sides, as most politicians are wont to do. I can’t say I think it would be the right course of action though.

Introduction

Hello

I’m a junior here at San Jose State University and, for the last couple years, my major has been Graphic Design. However, I decided to change it up a little this year and I am now majoring in English. Art and English have always been the two great passions in my life, thus I often find myself wrestling with which one I should pursue. Hopefully, I will be able to find a career that incorporates a little of both. I took an online Comm 10 course last semester and enjoyed it very much. I didn’t know what to make of it at first, but I ended up learning a lot from the instructor and my peers.  I’m eager to be a part of this course and looking forward to getting to know everyone a little better through our discussions and blogging. I hope we all have a great semester in Comm 41.

Further Discussion

A concept that I feel needs further discussion is the development of friendship. The stages of friendship are role-limited interaction, friendly relations, moving towards friendship, nascent friendship, stabilized friendship and waning friendship. When I went over this topic before, I mentioned how surprised I was by how easily a friendship can reach the waning stage and fall apart. I didn’t realize that not spending less time with someone could lead to the end of a relationship. I also said that I planned on using what I learned in this chapter to try and be a better friend. It has been a few weeks since then and I can say that I have done what I said I would do and, as a result, have become a better friend. Friendship that I had thought were in the waning stage have now gone back to being stabilized because I’ve made a conscious effort to spend more time with those who I had previously neglected.

Question 2 (What I've learned)

Before taking this class, I wasn’t a big fan of communication. I was the sort of person who liked to keep certain thoughts and feelings to himself. Through our assignments and discussions, I’ve come to understand the value of communication and how it can strengthen any relationship. I learned a lot in this class. I learned more about my romantic relationships and how I should be treating my partner. The mistakes I made in past relationships were made clear to me in chapter 11. Through acknowledging these mistakes, I’ve learned how to be a more patient and open partner. My understanding of friendships and how they are formed was broadened by chapter 10. I was able to take away a few techniques that I think have helped me to become a better friend. However I think that, above all else, this class has helped me to learn more about myself and who I am as a person.

Question 1 (Class)

I think what I liked most about this class is how it made it easy for me to speak my mind and express my opinions on certain matters. I don’t talk all that much in my regular classes. Furthermore, there aren’t many opportunities for me to get know my classmates that well either. I usually just talk to the people who sit next to me and it is never about anything that important. This class was different. I not only got to talk with my fellow classmates on a weekly basis, I also got to hear what they had to say about my thoughts and opinions on the subject matter. This was my first experience with an online class and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it. I don’t think I would want to change anything about this class. It seemed to work great just the way it was.