Arguments as Conversations

Summary:
In Stuart Greene's article, Arguments as Conversation: The Role of Inquiry in Writing a Researched Arguments, he discusses ways to improve research, reading and writing in a new way by treating the arguments we use as conversations. By making arguments into conversations it allows for arguments to be portrayed in a simpler way. The three steps that Greene mentions to develop and approach a good argument are to identify an issue, identify the situation, and to frame a good question. Identifying the issue is important because it is used to find the goals and interest that are relevant to others. We learn best from the issues we discuss in our environment. Identifying the situation is important because it allows for relevance and to be more relatable for the reader or the person your having the conversation with. Lastly, framing of a good question is very crucial because it allows the perspective of the argument to advance. Greene finally is able to conclude by stressing the importance of research and how it is used not only to collect information but to create discoveries.

Discussion Question:
Explain the concept of framing. What metaphor underlies it? Why is the concept important for Greene? What does framing allow a writer to do?

The concept of framing is a way for a writer to present their ideas in a way that you can only see the main point of the authors argument. The underlying metaphor is a picture. There can be two types of pictures, one with the center focused and the background blurred or the background focused and the center blurred. This metaphor represent what the author wants you to focus on. It shows both the center and the background but one is given much more attention to, thus taking control of the photo. The concept of framing is important to Greene because it is the final step in how to develop a good argument. Framing is also important to other writers because it allows them to get their argument to be the clear focus while still having other information in their writing.