Writing The Rogerian Argument
Writing the Rogerian Argument Outline
Rogerian Argument Organization
I. Introduction, including a Rogerian Argument Thesis Statement
II.Description of the problem (context of events)
III.Side A (main claim and sub claims)
IV.Side B (main claim and sub claims)
V. Common Ground/Shared Values/Shared Goals
VI.Possible Compromise or Solution
VII.Conclusion
Rogerian Argument Essentials
1. Rogerian Argument commits to allowing the fair representation of disagreeing sides so that a solution or compromise can be reached.
2. Writers of Rogerian Argument remain neutral in tone and diction, even though they likely agree more with one side.
3. A Rogerian Argument thesis will not attack the other viewpoint or try to convince the other side to change their minds. Rather, it will acknowledge that there is more than one perspective and offer either a compromise or a solution that benefits both sides.
Writing the Rogerian Argument Outline
Before you start to write your outline:
1. Educate yourself on both sides of the issue. As you research the issue, look for goals and values that both sides share.
2. Look for YOUR OWN BIASES and keep them in check. Acknowledge the inequity/history of the situation that led to the disagreement. Accept the valid points of both sides.
3. Focus on the big picture: the goal is a tangible, feasible, measurable compromise or solution.
Writing the Rogerian Argument Outline
Introduction Paragraph
Purpose: • Provide some history and context for the issue and provide an overview of
the controversy or disagreement surrounding it.
• Appeal to pathos to make a connection with the audience so that they, too, feel a need to reach a compromise.
• Then, state a thesis that is a Claim of Fact, noting the disagreement and suggesting a way forward through compromise.
Writing the Rogerian Argument Outline
Example Thesis Statements
• Although the illicit trade in minerals to produce cell phone components is fueling a deadly civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the solutions do not have to be either giving up cell phones or resigning ourselves to ongoing violence; instead, there is a way for consumers to have their technology and reduce the conflict in the DRC.
• It is true that crematoriums and cemeteries have negative environmental impact; however, there is a creative way to protect the environment while honoring deceased loved ones.
• Although there is sharp disagreement about how best to use genetic engineering for human cloning, both sides seem to want what is best for the next generation; therefore, an agreement could be reached that there will be a limit of genetic alterations allowed aside from the ones made in order to reduce disease risk and increase health.
*Notice that a Rogerian thesis statement acknowledges the disagreement, stays neutral, and suggests a compromise or solution is possible; therefore, it is usually a little longer than other thesis statements.
Writing the Rogerian Outline
Overview and Validation of Side A Purpose: provide an accurate and objective overview of Side A; validate the strong points of Side A’s position.
(Use one or more paragraphs as needed)
• Side A’s main claim • Human cloning has incredible potential for increasing the health and physical capabilities of future generations.
• Side A’s sub claims • Cloning can be used to cure inherited diseases • Cloning can be used to help infertile couples have children • Cloning can be used to choose physical characteristics and personality traits of children
*Notice that you will need to complete your research before you write the outline so that you can fairly and accurately explain each side of the debate.
Writing the Rogerian Outline
Overview and Validation of Side B
Purpose: provide an accurate overview of Side B; explain the validity and preferability of Side B’s position. (Use one or more paragraphs as needed)
Example:
• Side B’s main claim • The risk of unintended consequences couple with unresolved moral and ethical dilemmas
means that experiments with human cloning should not proceed.
• Side B’s sub claims • Cloned children won’t have the right of self-determination because they will be only who
their parents determined they should be.
• We don’t understand the technology enough to ensure that cloning won’t result in unintended, negative consequences.
• It is unethical to create a situation in which only rich people can engineer their children for success.
• The only way to avoid to these potential problems is to stop experimentation with human cloning
Writing the Rogerian Outline
Common Ground/Shared Values/Shared Goals Section Purpose: Concede the imperfection of Side B, then identify commonalities that bring both sides together.
Example:
• Side B must accept that the capability to clone humans already exists. • Both sides value children’s lives and want to protect them from harm. • Both sides have the goal of making a better future for the next
generation.
Writing the Rogerian Outline
Compromise or Solution Section
Purpose: Point out that both sides have a common goal and shared values, then propose a compromise that will reduce the conflict and move both parties towards the common goal. The compromise must be something new that neither side has considered and it must be achievable. Do not propose something that has already been tried and failed. Do not ask either side to simply change their minds about their position.
Example: • Completely banning experimentation with human cloning would put an end to potential
medical breakthroughs that could save lives and create healthier lives for future generations.
• Human cloning experimentation could go forward if the intent is to reduce or eradicate disease or develop treatments that would increase the health of future generations.
Notice: For this issue, the main claims of each side were too far apart for a complete solution, so a compromise is the better choice. Both sides must give up something, but their shared goal (a better future) and value (protect children’s health) are met, making this compromise likely to be acceptable to both sides.
Writing the Rogerian Outline
Conclusion Paragraph
Purpose: Review the strongest points of both sides and identify overlap in views and shared goals. Remind them that the proposed compromise will achieve some, if not all, of the hoped-for outcomes of both sides. Provide a call to action or a warning about consequences of inaction.
Example: Although this is a complicated issue, both sides are trying to do what is best and just for the future of humanity. The path for a better tomorrow starts with the unity of today, and so allowing human cloning with limitations is a good beginning to bridge the gap and merge both sides. With a unified front, the humanity of today can lay the best foundations for those that will come next.
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