Читать книгу The theory and practice of argumentation and debate - Victor Alvin Ketcham - Страница 54

Argument implies opposition. It may not be active opposition, it may be only passive. Arguments advanced for the purpose of inducing a change meet conservatism, prejudice, and the natural feeling of distrust with which any change is contemplated. These obstacles to success must be met squarely. It is by this means alone that they can be overcome. In the analysis of the question the necessity of finding the main contentions on both sides was made plain. We have now reached a point at which these contentions become of great importance. The arguments of the opposition must never be disregarded. Many important advantages besides the economy of time and material, come from the selection of such evidence as will uphold the constructive argument and at the same time overthrow the opposition. The selection and rejection of evidence must be determined from this standpoint.