TITLE:
Why We Must Argue: A Critique of the Essence, Purpose, and Craftsmanship of Argumentation
AUTHORS:
Jason A. Hubbart
KEYWORDS:
Argumentation, Buy-In, Organizational Change, Vision, Persuasion, Reasoning
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.3,
March
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: The objectives of this article are to examine persuasive argumentation as a means of fostering understanding, learning, and productive discourse rather than solely winning debates. It explores foundational principles, essential elements of persuasion, and a structured process for developing compelling arguments. Argumentation functions as a cognitive tool that clarifies thought, enhances decision-making, and facilitates knowledge construction. Effective argumentation integrates logic, emotion, and audience awareness while adhering to principles such as clarity, validity, soundness, and ethical responsibility. A persuasive argument relies on a well-defined claim, sound reasoning, and credible evidence, strengthened by rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos. Addressing counterarguments enhances credibility, promoting constructive discourse and critical engagement. Differences between oral and written argumentation underscore distinct advantages and challenges, while cultural considerations highlight the need for adaptable communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences. Practical applications include strategies for constructing persuasive arguments in leadership, change management, and research, where argumentation supports vision development, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. Ethical considerations remain central, ensuring arguments build trust and credibility rather than manipulate audiences. By structuring change initiatives around a compelling argument, aligning it with effective leadership approaches, and reinforcing it with empirical evidence, argumentation becomes a powerful tool for driving meaningful impact. Ultimately, mastering persuasive argumentation enhances communication effectiveness, strengthens leadership capacity, and fosters informed decision-making in complex and evolving environments.