Free-write: Deciphering

Thinking rhetorically is a process of analyzing arguments. This concept of "analysis" is more complex and investing than we would initially imagine. Everyday we are confronted with arguments that persuade, inform, or move us in different directions and in different ways of thinking, whether that is opinion-based about certain subjects and objects or leaning toward a way of life or simple decision. Many times we listen to the radio or television and just take arguments for what their worth at that moment, going in one ear and out the other. However, if we invest ourselves in the moment and really focus on what is being said, then we can analyze the situation properly and construe our own opinions from that argument.

We must learn to ask what supports claims, especially when we are listening to politicians trying to persuade their own points. It is easy to get distracted by charisma and other forms of inviting arguments. A lot of times however, people are just regurgitating things in broad forms without supportive evidence. If we learn to rhetorically cipher these frames of arguments, we can better understand what the true ethical motives of the arguers are, and can make a decision solely on our own grounds. For instance, our society is littered with enthymemes. An enthymeme is when a main premise is left out of an argument, but it is not obvious; the argument still sounds right. It is like saying, "We are dependent, therefore we should be humble." The main premise of the argument is left out in this, depsite it's apparent logic. The full argument should read, "Dependent people should be humble. We are dependent, therefore we should be humble." See? Intelligent citizens should learn to decipher these frameworks. We are intelligent citizens, therefore we should learn to do this!