Arguing to Achieve

    When the thought of argument gets brought to my mind, I instantly think it's a bad contrivance. Most times in my life, argument spurs from a small disagreement or understanding, which leads into a bigger problem down the road. As argumentation is not ideal, it is necessary. Part of living in a community involves arguing. There is always something that will divide one individual from another, even if two individuals are very similar and seem to get along well. The largest dividing factor above us all is language. Language makes community and the ability to understand possible, but it can also create misunderstanding and separation. 

    Where people identify with each other the closest, there a bound to be disagreements. I find this very true especially amongst siblings. My brother and I are very similar. We have many disagreements from day to day. As siblings, sometimes we settle an argument by "fighting," especially when we were little.  Now I don't mean punches and take downs, I mean wrestling and proving to the other with force that he or I was the one who stands correct in this argument. By no means is our relationship unhealthy, as this very rarely happens. My brother is my best friend, and neither of us would hurt one another. Responding in an argument through violence may solve the conflict, but no learning or self-awareness will result. We have to learn how to negotiate our differences and agree to disagree. By doing so, the argument is able to bring to light where the disagreement stands and solidifies the agreement to live with the difference. This means that some differences will always exist. If we were to agree with each other on everything, there would be no individuality or identity. 

    Arguing is not always a bad contrivance though. When in an academic setting, an argument on certain topics is necessary. This isn't usually an argument, but rather a structured, civil debate. Argumentation in the classroom can often times help individuals learn from and hear both points of view, allowing them to make a decision on where they stand from there. This involves the search for reasoning behind each point being made, as well as the attempt to clarify and make your stance clear. Although debates in the classroom have the ability to get out of hand, understanding between individuals can often times bring them closer together. 

    Argumentation is necessary when it is handled properly and does not get out of hand when in the end nothing is accomplished. Learn to agree to disagree. Accept differences in peoples opinion, and try and find common ground at the end of every argument.