THE ROGERIAN MODEL

1
THE ROGERIAN MODEL

• Prof. T. Castro
• English
• Houston Community College

2
3 Steps of Rogerian Model

• Finding Common Ground.
• Developing Multiple Perspectives.
• Organizing Your Argument.

3
Finding Common Ground

• Readers firmly hold differing views and therefore
  will resist hearing others positions.
• But, there will be some view that both can agree
  on.
• This points of agreement is known as common
  ground.

4
For example consider the controversy for and
against capital punishment

• Both sides consider human life to be sacred and
  precious.
• Both sides feel that capital crimes must be
  deterred as effectively as possible.
• Both sides agree that someone convicted of a
  capital crime is threat to society.

5
Developing Multiple Perspectives

• When arguing about an issue, Rogerian emphasizes
  on developing multiple perspectives.
• First step to achieve this goal, is to listen
  with understanding.
• Keep and open mind and leave your own judgment
  while listening.

6
Organizing Your Argument

• Need to become especially sensitive to attitudes
  and values other than your own.
• Desire to find conclusion rather than to win the
  argument.

7
Here is how an argument using the Rogerian
approach might take shape

• Introduction to the problem
• a. First scenario A vignette that illustrates
  the problem.
• b. Second scenario Another vignette that
  illustrates the problem, but one with greater
  complexity that some solutions wouldnt handle
  well.
• c. Thesis.

8

• Alternative views worth sharing with the target
  audience, and why these views are worth
  considering.
• Points of difference, along with reflection on
  how to resolve them.
• Conclusion The implications of finding a
  solution in light of the evidence presented, that
  would benefit everyone, plus discussion of the
  great benefits derived from the solution that all
  audience members would most likely find to their
  liking.

9
Summary

• Based on humanistic values that take into account
  the importance of social cooperation in argument
  (that is, finding common ground is valued over
  beating the opposition).
• Emphasizes points of agreement over points of
  disagreement.
• Urges arguers to cultivate multiple perspectives
  toward issues.

10
Glossary

1. Rogerian Argument A mode of argument established
   by Carl Rogers in which arguers are urged to
   cooperate and to seek a common ground on which to
   negotiate than differences.
2. Militaristic Metaphors To win or lose argument
   without resolving them and just look at the
   thesis rather than to understand the question
   points of disagreement.
3. Harmonious Interaction Two different views and
   hold diametrically opposed views about an issue
   but someone can locate views on the issues that
   both can agree on, no matter how debatable or
   controversial a view is.

11

• 4. Combative Opposition Two different views and
  diametrically opposed views about an issue and
  try to persuade to win in argument without
  considering an acceptance on others person
  opinion.
• 5. Inflexible Stance Think of ways in just one
  point of view and state with the opinion. Cant
  be influence by other thing to change the
  opinion, without consider or try the understand
  it.