Which came first? Chicken or the egg? This unsettled argument was brought up by the Greek Philosophy, Aristotle, and has evoked a controversial debate since the 400 BC. That is just one off the many style of argument in this world. Some argument required scientific research in order to win such as nature vs nurture, some require belief and proof such as evolution vs religion. We have been arguing about science, food, politic, etc. for many years and it never seem to come to an end. Arguing had been exist for the sole purpose of proving a point, it could be to improve the human knowledge toward a subject, or just to give a person the satisfaction of winning a point. All in all, argument can be define as an exchange of two opposite view toward one another, either with respect, or with heated anger.
As a Biology major student, we have recently been studying about cell and how they were originated. Based on scientific research and scientist hypothesis, every organism on earth were all originated from prokaryote cell, and through evolution, become eukaryote, which is us human. One of the many well-known example of evolution is human evolve from chimpanzee. This hypothesis were first brought up by Charles Darwin, an English naturalist during the late 1800s which were a complete turn against Christianity where human were created by god. Nowadays, the argument about evolution and religion still goes on as neither of the party had a good explanation, or proof toward there belief, since scientist value information and research while Christian believe in faith. Everyone entitle to their own opinion, which is the reason behind the existence of argumentation, it depend on the different belief of each individual such as people who believe in god, to them, god created everything; while for those who doesn't, they head toward in supporting science.
There are various form of argument, some can be casual, some can be quite serious, sometime it can also lead to unwanted violent result. A clear example of this would be during the Vietnam War, when the country were separated into the south and the north. The south, which believe that the only way for the country to improve is by having a Republic Government, and the North, which believe in Communism, a lie, dictated government. The result could have been in peace just like every President Debate but because of the dictated, violent nature of the Communist party, the Vietnam War existed.
People argue to either understand other people's opinion toward a subject and obtain knowledge, or to prove a point and receive the satisfaction for being the winner. In this world, nowadays, both of these type of argument can be found everywhere, in everyday activity. Arguing can both harm other, emotionally or physically, or it could help other in becoming a more open minded person toward other people opinion. A good example of helpful argument is in the rhetorical class that I am taking, we argue, and talk about our opinion everyday in order to both hear other classmates thought toward a subject and contribute our own opinions to improve the over all knowledge of the class. All in all, argument is an everyday need of our life, like water, food, etc. arguing is a stable activity of human, it give us satisfaction, joys, and lessons.
I found it interesting how your write that argumentation is an everyday need much like water and food. I cannot say that I have thought of that prior to reading your post, or made the connection myself. I, however, believe that a form of conflict is needed for our social being, but disagree that arguing is required for our survival. It is unique to believe such a statement, but as you say, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
ReplyDeleteNice attention grabber, definitely clever. I also agree with your point that arguing can improve knowledge, but only if you consider a person's viewpoint.
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