Power of Words and Logic

by Luke Skywalker in Society on May 20, 2011 08:00:45 PM

As people debate about issues, it is so often a trap to start attacking people personally, rather than challenge one another with ideas and facts and questions. A large part of the problem with the political discourse in this country is people’s acceptance of the idea that mudslinging is okay. But I think there is more to it than that!

It is all too common for people to make up facts that sound good without spending time going over the details that support their assertions. Part of it is laziness, and another part of it is lack of education. While I didn’t finish college, I had a great English teacher, as well as a great Logic professor, and in both cases they insisted that I supported my assertions with supporting details. When we take the time to go over details ourselves, we are that much more educated about the very issues that we make statements about.

First, from a writing perspective, most English teachers will tell you there important elements to writing. Paragraphs should contain an introductory statement that tells the reader what the paragraph will be discussing. Then the there should be sentences with supporting details. And of course at the end we have sentence that summarizes or “brings together” the details. It might even be a “lead in” to the next paragraph.

Then we have the area of Logic. There are so many fallacies that are published online and in the media that are so easily apparent to the student of logic. For example, “Because the deficit is so high, we must be spending too much.” This is a hasty generalization that fails to consider all the facts like revenue, and what is being spent, and what parts of spending increased or decreased. There are many other forms of fallacy worthy of careful study.

The wonderful thing about the internet is we can fill the void where our education is lacking. If we want to improve our writing style there are many great sites to help us do that. With a combination of excellent writing, and well considered logic, our words become more powerful, and the time spent writing is all that much more worthwhile.

Best wishes to all!

	Luke Skywalker	Author Info:Luke Skywalker
	Latest Articles:	Our Democracy is Not for Sale Why Debt Keeps Increasing Testing Capitalism's Limits

James Marsh

Friday 20th of May 2011 04:12:27

Interesting read for sure.

Heather Ray

Sunday 5th of June 2011 06:45:33

I completely agree. There is not so much debate any more, as there is arguing. It has changed from something that was considered noble enough to create a club about, into something that is no more than what you can see on the street. It is very important to always state the facts when debating and voicing your opinion because without the facts you have no reason other than personal bias to adjust your views to that statement. It’s also important to be open to others as we all are from different backgrounds and can take harsh judgments to heart. Everyone has feelings and emotions and even though some don’t display them as well as others, they are still there to get hurt. It is important to know what you are talking about rather than just saying negative things out of anger.

David DuVal

Friday 5th of August 2011 02:05:43

I agree, and the more we attempt to understand where the other person is coming from, the more we can speak with words that work in their "language".

Liz Parker

Friday 2nd of September 2011 09:26:14

Also applies in business, not just politics - the more we can speak in language that resonates to clients, suppliers and team, the more successful we will able overall.

Spencer Whatley

Friday 2nd of September 2011 02:05:59

Yes, interesting how words can be manipulated to represent what I want them to say not what you said... "it depends on your interpitation of NO".... 'words and logic'.