Characteristics of conducting an argument versus motivation of the participants

Abstract

The content of an argument viewed as a form of activity is analyzed depending on motivation of the participants: an argument for the truth, an argument for persuasion, an argument for winning, an argument as a sport. In arguments for the truth only rational reasons for opposite opinions are given; compromise decision formulation is possible in estimating a power of argumentation. In arguments for persuasion emotional reasons are used (by addressing to the opponent’s needs) in order to persuade the opponent a certain action. An argument for winning involves proving one’s right and criticism of an opponent’s argumentation; disputers use artifices (discredit an opponent as a source of information and as a person). An argument as a sport means becoming personal: each participant tries to prepossess in his/her favor and to belittle an opponent in the eyes of the audience. The results of discussion skills development and the hypotheses that need further investigations (related to rational and emotional methods of persuasion, factors that determine winning an argument, methods of artifices neutralization) are given.