3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
One concept that I found really interesting is in the beginning of the 3rd chapter of the Epstein book. I used to think of a good argument as being one that makes the other person believe or change their minds about the issue. However, the book brought up a good point: what if the person refuses to be convinced? Maybe he or she is in a bad mood and not thinking with an open mind? This would then make a good argument bad, according to my previous definition of a good argument. However, because of these two examples just illustrated, I now understand a good argument is not just about weather or not the other person was convinced or not. It has to do with what the information and conclusion states, weather it is true, and weather the premises lead to the conclusion. In this, we can say that the conclusion has to follow the premises to have a good argument. Now, when I may have an argument or misunderstanding with someone, I know that setting up a good argument is essential.
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That’s a really good point, as far as how a person mood or mindset can effect how they will deal with an argument in terms of being convinced or not. I think that while many people are very open to having there minds changed, the mass majority of people are very stubborn when it comes to this. Whether or not it has to do with the fact that some people don’t like having there minds changed because it makes them feel dumb, or any other reason, I don’t know? I do know that it is a very real problem that I have encountered often in the work world, and one which can definitely effect many people due to one person unwillingness to have their minds changed.
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