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How can we use emotions to sustain an argument?

User Elzaer
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Final answer:

Emotions can be used to engage and persuade an audience in an argument, but they must be used with care to not overshadow the logical structure and use of evidence. Strong emotions should be managed with skepticism and reflection to maintain objectivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emotions can be a powerful tool in sustaining an argument, especially when used strategically. Emotional appeals, such as those that evoke sympathy, anger, or fear, can effectively engage your audience and strengthen your position. However, using emotions in an argument requires careful consideration to maintain its logical integrity and avoid fallacies such as ad hominem attacks or irrelevant emotional influence that can undermine the argument's validity.

Maintain skepticism of strong emotions is essential. Emotions are an important part of our thinking process, but they can cloud objective judgment if not managed properly. You can handle the emotions by taking a step back and reflecting on the causes and reasons of those emotions rather than being driven by them. To effectively incorporate emotions in an argument, present a well-constructed argument that moves logically from point to point, and introduce emotional elements when they can genuinely support the points made. Using credible evidence alongside emotional appeals demonstrates to readers that you recognize the potential for bias and have taken steps to present a balanced and reasoned argument.

User Confluence
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