Ch. 4 Arguments Based on Facts and Reason

This chapter is about developing an argument.  It gives example of what to have for you to have a solid argument.  There are various things such as hard evidence, statistics, surveys, testimonies, etc. for you to have a good argument.  Each thing has there good and bad.  You got to make sure you put together information that will benefit yourself.

This chapter was really interesting because I see these techniques used in the media everyday.  The part where they talk about providing hard evidence was interesting because of the Iranian missile test picture.  They first talked about how the picture of the Cuban missiles was very good evidence.  Then they went on to say how in this day and age you need to watch out for fake photos.  Picture were published in newspapers all around the world after Iran tested some missiles.  Some pictures have three being launched and some have four.  The question arrises which is the real photo.  People could have altered the picture to make it look more intense with an extra missile.

Having hard evidence is key.  I remember last year when President Obama was being scrutinized for not having a birth certificate because he never showed one.  If he would have just showed it right off the bat and didn't try to evade the conflict the situation would not have gotten as out of hand as it got.
 


Another way people win an argument is with statistics.  Statistics state what has happened with hard factual numbers.  However people can swing this in their favor.  The way one says certain statistics can determine what is thought about it.  

You could use these tips in real life everyday but especially if you want to become a politician.  Politics is all about arguments.  You must be better then your opponent so you need to show the people why you are better.