INSTRUCTIONS

Read the below excerpt from “Rogerian Argument” portion of the Excelsior Online Writing Lab’s website. Consider whether the writers we have read in this unit have engaged in the Rogerian strategy. When we examine future arguments, consider whether the writers are engaging in the Rogerian strategy, and whether it is appropriate.

Rogerian Argument

[Image: Psychologist Carl Rogers]

When most of us think of argument, we think about winners of arguments and losers of arguments. Arguments, even sometimes academic arguments, can be strong and forceful. An Aristotelian or classical argument is a strong, “this is my assertion and here’s why I am right” kind of argument. But that kind of argument isn’t going to work in all situations. When your audience is a really difficult one in the sense that you know your audience isn’t going to completely agree with your side of the issue, it can be a good idea to try to find a middle ground. The Rogerian argument finds that middle ground.

Based on the work of psychologist Carl Rogers, a Rogerian argument focuses on finding a middle ground between the author and the audience. This type of argument can be extremely persuasive and can help you, as a writer, understand your own biases and how you might work to find common ground with others.

Here is a summary of the basic strategy for a Rogerian argument, and the below infographic should be helpful as well.

In your essay, first, introduce the problem.

Acknowledge the other side before you present your side of the issue. This may take several paragraphs.

Next, you should carefully present your side of the issue in a way that does not dismiss the other side. This may also take several paragraphs.

You should then work to bring the two sides together. Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for the middle ground here, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone. This should be a key focus of your essay and may take several paragraphs.

Finally, in your conclusion, remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the middle.

1.29 Writing Exercise: A Rogerian Proposal, Part 1 (GRADED ASSIGNMENT) 

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1. INSTRUCTIONS

Below is a list of proposals advocating a position on a social issue. Choose one and write two separate arguments, one defending and one refuting the proposal.

1. Each proposal should have a clear thesis in the first sentence.

For each position, provide relevant premises (reasons) that are, to the best of your knowledge, accurate although they need not be fully developed.

1. Each proposal should be 1-2 paragraphs in length and should fully articulate the position you are arguing.

You need not write an introduction or conclusion for your proposals. 

1. The Topics

Assault weapons should be banned.

1. Athletes who kneel during the national anthem should be barred from playing.

Schools should make it a requirement of admission that parents vaccinate their children against common childhood diseases such as measles.

Face masks should not be mandatory in public.

Public service should be required for all people between the ages of 18 and 25.

Citizens should be allowed to record the police.

Girls 17 and under should be required to obtain parental permission before having an abortion.

The president should be immune from criminal prosecution while in office.

Once a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, it should be mandatory for all citizens to take it.