Argumentation in a Culture of Discord

           The general argument made by Frank L. Cioffi in his work Argumentation in a Culture of Discord is that the media is eroding the ability of students to understand argument. More specifically, Cioffi suggests that the media does not allow for debate, which is diminishing the power of debate. He writes, “…they’re a venue for self promotion and squabbling…” (pg. 63) In this passage, Cioffi is suggesting that the media is quickly changing argument in a culture. In conclusion it is Cioffi’s belief that the media could be very dangerous.

 

            In my view, Cioffi is right because the media has changed many things. For example the understanding of students in areas such as, argumentation has changed. For example, the media has made arguments right or wrong rather than just opinion based. Although Cioffi might object that the media is all bad, I maintain that they are sometimes very useful and important. Therefore, I conclude that the media is eroding the use of debate in our culture.