Rogers' Conciliatory Approach to Argument: A Persuasive Technique by Carl Rogers, Study notes of Medicine

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Carl Rogers

1902 – 1987

Background on Rogerian

Approach to Arguments

 Psychologist Carl Rogers asserts that most successful

arguments take a conciliatory approach. The

characteristics of this approach include:

 Showing respect for the opposition in the

language and tone of the argument

 Seeking common ground by indicating specific

facts and values that both sides share, and

 Qualifying the claim to bring opposing sides

more closely together

An Example of Rogerian Argument:

In their essay “Euthanasia—A Critique,” authors Peter A. Singer and Mark Siegler provide a good example of a conciliatory approach. They begin their essay by explaining the two main arguments in favor of euthanasia. After stating the two arguments in clear and neutral language, they write the following paragraph in response to the first argument

Turn to next slide to see entire paragraph that shows

We agree that the relief of pain and suffering is a crucial goal of medicine. We question, however, whether the care of dying patient cannot be improved without resorting to the drastic measure of euthanasia. Most physical pain can be relieved with the appropriate use of analgesic agents. Unfortunately, despite widespread agreement that dying patients must be provided with necessary analgesia, physicians continue to underuse analgesia in the care of dying patients because of the concern about depressing respiratory drive or creating addiction. Such situations demand better management of pain, not euthanasia.

For more on the Rogerian

Approach to Argument, read…

 Chapter 10 in our textbook From Critical Thinking to Argument

 Check out these helpful resources that provide even more explanation of Rogerian Argument:

http://www.wpi.edu/Images/CMS/Diversity/Rogerian.Argument.pdf

http://ocw.usu.edu/english/introduction-to-writing-academic- prose/rogerian-argument.html-skinless_view.html

Carl Rogers

1902 – 1987