"Argument as Emergence, Rhetoric as Love":.
When juxtaposed against each other, it appears as somewhat contradictory and yet when examined even closer, does hold a kind of bond. Where is the connection between these two? Or are there even any? Jim W. Corder's essay, "Argument as Emergence, Rhetoric as Love," introduces us to the idea that arguments, which are essentially a rhetoric - the art of using language effectively and persuasively - must "begin, proceed and end in love." (pg. 360) Hence, we learn that language is a powerful tool in which we use in our everyday life. Although, it is not the best tool that allows us to give a full representation of how we are feeling, we do however, understand that its power could either bring us to a conflict or a peaceful resolution. In the essay, Corder seeks to make us realize all of these, and ultimately make us learn to "speak a commodious language" and "hear a commodious language." .
Does Corder succeed in bringing across this so very important message to his readers? Or does his artistic and melodic writing attempt come across as too exhausting for some? His intended audience are clearly the human kind in general. There are no specifications to as who is allowed to read or not. In fact, it does seem as though everyone in the world should try to digest what Corder is saying and practice it even. I for one, is largely agreeable to the ideas in which Corder offers. In this evaluative summary, I shall first summarize Corder's essay and then demonstrate how far Corder succeeds in connecting with his audience.
Corder sets out with a quotation from A. G. Mojtabai, stating that "We are all authors." This whole idea that we live our stories, tells them, and that each of us itself is narratives, is being played over and over throughout the essay. According to Corder, our narratives are a constitution of our personal beliefs and values, bordering into arguments when we find that our ideals differ from the other party or when we feel threatened.