The Power of Arguing

 Arguing and conflict is something that consists all throughout society, where it can lead to both negative and positive routes. How people deal with or resolve these arguments or conflicts is described by Brigham Young University Professor, Gary Layne Hatch in "Arguing in Communities". Firstly, in many groups, differences are decided through force. This can be done by having the majority decide, peer pressure, military or physical strength, etc. The use of violence and manipulation is not exactly an ideal way to resolve conflicts. There are several ways for groups to handle differences without going to such extreme methods. For example, they could possibly just "agree to disagree", and just move on from arguing with each other. Although, having differences with others isn't necessarily a bad thing - it is what makes a person unique. In fact, Hatch points out, "Rather than eliminating difference, we should learn to accept some of our differences, resolves others, and cooperate with one another in a community" (page 167). How people handle differences with others is what can make things tricky, not the fact that people do indeed have differences.

    How Gary Layne Hatch views arguing and conflicts in academic settings is quite interesting. He believes that debate with one another in college is actually a good thing, as "No one has a monopoly on knowledge, and no one is right all the time" (page 168). In colleges, debating can allow others to develop
new insights and ideas, and have even have their own challenged. They can develop the ability to properly evaluate and assess another's opinions before immediately rejecting or accepting them. Though, it should be noted that this is not how things are always like in academic settings. Unfortunately, not everyone can automatically accept or try to understand another's opinion. Hatch probably mentioned this to show what it could possibly be like in a perfect world. 

    What is also interesting is that Gary Layne Hatch brought up ethos, pathos, and logos, and how they play into arguments. These can be both beneficial and harmful when used. They help strengthen a person's argument, but they can also easily manipulate another person. It is up to people to understand when they are possibly being manipulated, and to really think about how a person is trying to convince others. 

    Arguing and conflicts are something that do not have to be a bad thing. They can be beneficial, and allow us to gain a better understanding of ourselves and others. It allows for there to be a greater variety of opinions and ideas, and for people to constantly challenge their ideals. However, this is not something that is immediately attainable. It is difficult for many people to fully comprehend and accept differences from others, and because of that, it may lead to violence, manipulation, etc. So, we must work towards fully listening to and understanding others.