In the Sophistic movement it was popular to teach students to argue both sides of a position. Please read the Dissoi Logoi for an example of this philosophy: http://www.constitution.org/gr/dissoi_logoi.pdf In the spirit of this movement, your last two speeches will be persuasive in which you must argue the both sides of a position, the first speech argues for something and the second argues against it. Let's start with an exercise that does just that: First argue, it is never to break a law. Then argue, at times it is necessary to break a law (choose a law of your choice). Give reasons to support your claims. Then answer: What are the benefits of this argumentative practice? Do you think being able to argue the opposite enables you to construct better arguments for your case?

discussion #1
In the Sophistic movement it was popular to teach students to argue both sides of a position. Please read the Dissoi Logoi for an example of this philosophy: http://www.constitution.org/gr/dissoi_logoi.pdf

In the spirit of this movement, your last two speeches will be persuasive in which you must argue the both sides of a position, the first speech argues for something and the second argues against it.

Let's start with an exercise that does just that: First argue, it is never to break a law. Then argue, at times it is necessary to break a law (choose a law of your choice). Give reasons to support your claims.

Then answer: What are the benefits of this argumentative practice? Do you think being able to argue the opposite enables you to construct better arguments for your case?



discussion #2
An important component of public speaking is knowing what sources are credible. Please read this article: http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_08.phtml

Please discuss which sources you find credible. Choose a recent story in the news and pick one credible source and one biased or unreliable source. Explain why you feel the way you do. How does the internet make these distinctions more problematic? What characteristics of the article and/or website makes you believe one was credible and the other unreliable?