The expression argument has two meanings in academic writing. First, it means a composition that takes a stand on one side of a controversial issue. You could write an argument against the death penalty or for or against censorship of pornography. But the discussion also has another meaning. It means an essay that simply makes a point. You could mount an argument about the meaning of ancestor myths in a certain Aboriginal culture, or you could write an argument defending your understanding of any poem or essay you read in your philosophy course. (Winthrop University) You are not necessarily taking a side in a controversial issue, but you are expected to defend your points with credible evidence. You're taking a stand. In a sense, then, an argument is another word for a thesis. A topic must be narrow enough to be supported for the duration of the assigned essay. Typically, we think about the winners and losers of arguments. Our practice of argumentation dates back to traditional Greece, when speakers sought to influence other voters in early democratic debates on guiding principles. (Kiefer) Building on this ritual of pros and cons, our legal system goes even further to emphasize the contradictory nature of many arguments. But arguments do not always have to believe that readers make a yes/no, innocent/guilty, on/off decision. Many arguments are based on compromise. One approach that most authors do not describe is called the Rogerian argument. The Rogerian expression was introduced by Young, Becker, and Pike in their 1970 textbook, Rhetoric: Discovery and Change. (Brent) Traditional rhetoric, say Young, Becker, and Pike, presupposes an adversarial affiliation in which the speaker uses modes of influence to break down the audience's opponents... in the middle of the paper... before a jury. But classic arguments don't work as well in situations where you need to maintain a loving, congenial, or even friendly relationship. So, once again, the Rogerian argument can be considered a "kinder and gentler" way of arguing, and one that can often prove useful. Bibliography Boeree, C. George, Dr. "Personality Theories". 1998. Shippensburg University. July 27, 2011 .Brent, Douglas. "Rogerian Rhetoric: An Alternative to Traditional Rhetoric." Argument revised, argument redefined: Negotiating meaning in the composition classroom (1996): 73-96. Kiefer, Kate. “What is the Rogerian argument?” 1993-2011. Colorado State University. August 3, 2011. Rogers, C. R., and D. Ryback. “An Alternative to Planetary Suicide.” The Counseling Psychologist (1984): 35-54. Winthrop University. "Rogerian Argument". 2000. Winthrop. August 4th 2011.