Jay Heinrichs

Thank You for Arguing

1. IDEA 1

   Persuasion is an ancient art

   Heinrichs argues that rhetoric, the art of persuasion taught by ancient thinkers such as Aristotle and Cicero, is useful in everyday life. He uses examples from family arguments to politics.

2. IDEA 2

   Arguing differs from fighting

   Heinrichs distinguishes arguing, which aims to persuade, from fighting, which aims to win or hurt. Good argument seeks agreement. In his account, a good arguer treats the other side as a person to persuade, not an enemy.

3. IDEA 3

   Character persuades

   Heinrichs explains ethos, persuasion based on the speaker's character and credibility. People listen to those they trust. In his view, a speaker who shows good sense, goodwill and good values is heard more fairly than one who does not.

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