Working with ChatGPT: Rogerian Argument Student Guide [Strategies]
10-15 minute read
Jonahs Kneitly
What You Will Learn in This Section
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to utilize a specific formation of generative AI (GenAI)—the prominent Large Language Model (LLM) ChatGPT—as an aid within the Rogerian argument writing process to
- determine and refine an appropriate topic argument
- brainstorm effective counterarguments and concessions
- locate faulty logic and explore workable solutions
Additionally, you will develop critical evaluation skills to avoid the possible pitfalls with using GenAI for argumentation.
What key terms should I know within artificial intelligence (AI) discourse?
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence, often referred to as AI, encompasses computational systems created to imitate human behaviors and cognitive processes. In essence, computer scientists strive to design AI that can augment or replicate specific human cognitive functions, such as problem solving, experiential learning, pattern recognition, and decision making.
Generative AI (GenAI)
Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence trained on vast datasets (text, images, audio, code, etc.) in order to generate contextually relevant outputs. ChatGPT is a well-known formation of GenAI designed to generate human-like language in response to a prompt; in fact, the “G” in ChatGPT stands for “generative” to reflect this nature. However, GenAI covers a great variety of generators, such as image generators like Midjourney and DALL-E 2, or voice generators like Eleven Labs. Amid these various formations, ChatGPT belongs to a specific subcategory of GenAI called Large Language Models.
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Large Language Models are a specific subset of GenAI designed to process and generate human language. These models, trained on extensive textual data, can understand, generate, and manipulate text in ways that resemble human communication. LLMs include popular chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing, Google’s Bard, and more.
What should I know about Rogerian arguments before I begin this tutorial?
A Brief Overview
Unlike traditional or classic argumentation, a Rogerian argument encourages consideration of disparate viewpoints. Rogerian arguments invite each side to acknowledge their opponent’s perspectives and look for common ground. For most arguments, individuals feel there can be only one winner. In contrast, the ideal outcome would be both sides reaching an acceptable compromise in a Rogerian argument. However, even if a compromise is impossible, Rogerian argumentation can help build bridges and mutual-respect among individuals.
Using Rogerian argumentation in an academic setting can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of an issue. Rogerian argumentation requires you to engage with many sources in order to identify, research, organize, and evaluate a specific topic from different viewpoints. By engaging in this type of argumentation, you enhance your research skills, develop critical thinking, and learn to synthesize information as you weigh disparate facts against each other.
In Rogerian arguments, you will use three important types of statements to make your case. First, you will make arguments that are your statements or opinions validated by facts. Second, you will pose counterarguments, which are arguments and reasons put forth to invalidate the position of your opponents. Third, you will make concessions. When you make a concession, you concede part of an opposing argument is valid within certain parameters. You then highlight situations when their argument would not be valid. This is a way of weakening an opponent’s strong position by showing that it depends on specific situations or criteria. You can see these three types of statements modeled in this ChatGPT generated discussion on Strict School Dress Codes.
This tutorial demonstrates how ChatGPT, a Large Language Model (LLM), can assist you in refining an argument, determining effective counterarguments and concessions, and checking a text for faulty logic. By harnessing the power of ChatGPT, you will gain support in navigating the often challenging task of recognizing and arguing different sides on a single subject.
For further information on Rogerian argumentation as a general skill and the process of writing a Rogerian argument, see table 1.
Table 1
Open Education Resources Related to Rogerian argumentation
- Rhetoric Matters
- Section 5.6 Connecting Purpose with Claims
- Section 5.9 Argumentative Reasoning
- Section 5.13 Counterargument and Response
- Informed Arguments
- Section 4.6 Rogerian Argument
- Arguments in Context
- Section IV Social Arguments
What are three ways ChatGPT can support Rogerian argument composition?
Determining and Refining an Appropriate Argument on a Subject
ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for exploring the nuances of a subject. Using ChatGPT, you can explore different perspectives, generate alternative formulations of arguments, and explore different ways to critically engage with the argument and the opposing side. You can leverage ChatGPT‘s capabilities to refine your understanding of the contributing factors of a complex argument and to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
Strategy in Action #1
View the following example prompt and response with ChatGPT focused on determining and refining an appropriate argument on a subject.
If you’d like to interact directly with ChatGPT in the above conversation, access the original chat through this link and click the ‘Continue the conversation’ button in the opened dialogue window.
Check out table 2 for additional tips and suggestions related to building a better question.
Table 2
Tips and Suggestions: Building a Better Question
Building a better prompt, or question, for ChatGPT may lead quickly to usable output. Consider using the six journalistic questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Using these journalistic questions may help you compose your question and may clarify your thinking about the topic. If all else fails, ask ChatGPT to help you with a specific topic. For example, you might ask ChatGPT: Can you help me determine the ways the six journalistic questions intersect with this subject?
Brainstorming Effective Counterarguments and Concessions
You can use ChatGPT to brainstorm effective counterarguments and concessions. Engaging in interactive discussions with ChatGPT can help you find intersections with issues such as accessibility, marginalization, political borders and conflicts, etc. Continuing to explore these connected concepts can enhance your ability to find an equitable solution to an issue. Engage with ChatGPT to better understand your opponent’s position in order to fine tune your counterarguments.
Strategy in Action #2
View the following example prompt and response with ChatGPT focused on finding counterarguments on a subject.
If you’d like to interact directly with ChatGPT in the above conversation, access the original chat through this link and click the ‘Continue the conversation’ button in the opened dialogue window.
Check out table 3 for additional tips and suggestions related to finding points to make concessions.
Table 3
Tips and Suggestions: Find Points to Make Concessions
| Within Rogerian arguments, conceding the validity of an argument within certain specific scenarios, which is called making concessions, can help build trust and dialogue between the two sides by showing your willingness to listen and consider their ideas. You can use ChatGPT to explore possible concessions and ways that you may make an effective argument. |
Check for Logic and Explore Workable Solutions
You can use ChatGPT to help you explore your opponent’s position and logic. You can prompt ChatGPT to show the logic or thought that supports a particular position, which may help you understand why your opponent has a specific viewpoint or opinion. You can then brainstorm possible solutions that both parties might accept and refine your proposed solution to make it more acceptable.
Strategy in Action #3
View this example prompt and response with ChatGPT focused on exploring logic and workable solutions.
If you’d like to interact directly with ChatGPT in the above conversation, access the original chat through this link and click the ‘Continue the conversation’ button in the opened dialogue window.
Check out table 4 for additional tips and suggestions related to brainstorming multiple solutions.
Table 4
Tips and Suggestions: Brainstorming Multiple Solutions
| ChatGPT can help assess the logic of an argument, but it can also list possible solutions that both sides may agree on. Once you have identified the varying sides of an issue, you can explore different solutions that may be acceptable to pro- and anti-views. You may simply prompt ChatGPT: “Are there any solutions to this issue that both sides may agree upon?” |
What is a possible pitfall when collaborating with ChatGPT on a Rogerian argument?
Produces Inaccuracies and Fabricated Information
ChatGPT and other LLMs may generate misinformation. Any inaccuracies are a by-product of the way these tools mine available resources to build seemingly credible statements. AI-generated content and information should be carefully verified for accuracy because even convincingly stated content may be false and misleading.
For example, when tasked with creating a reading list on discussions of pain in the 19th century, ChatGPT generated six possible titles. Of these six texts, only one was a real, verifiable work. Book #6, The Birth of the Clinic: An Archaeology of Medical Perception by Michel Foucault, was located during a Google search and is an actual text written in 1963. Using Google to search for these suggested titles does not return any hits for the other five suggested texts, which makes their validity questionable. Though the existence of book #2, Pain and Its Communication in 19th-Century Medical Literature by Joanna Bourke, could not be verified, Google revealed a text titled: The Story of Pain by Joanna Bourke. One accurate and one partially accurate result gives ChatGPT about 25% accuracy for this content. Some ChatGPT generated content may have a high percentage and some may have lower. As a result, generated lists and similar content should be carefully verified to confirm accuracy.
Learning Outcomes for ENGL 1302: How does this tutorial apply to state standards?
This tutorial is designed to support your success in ENGL 1302 (Composition II) by aligning with the student learning outcomes established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As highlighted in Table 5 below, this tutorial directly addresses three key standards. By aligning with these specific learning outcomes, this tutorial not only provides you with skills and knowledge that transfer across diverse learning environments but also gives your education value outside your institution.
Table 5
Applicable State Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes: You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of collaborative research processes by actively working with ChatGPT to refine your argument, brainstorm counterarguments, and explore workable solutions in a Rogerian argument.
- Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays. By using ChatGPT‘s assistance in brainstorming effective counterarguments and concessions, you will be empowered to develop your idea into a focused Rogerian argument.
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence. With ChatGPT‘s assistance, you will be empowered to analyze the logical points of an opponent’s position and evaluate solutions that might be acceptable to both parties.
Attribution:
Kneitly, Jonahs. “Working with ChatGPT: Rogerian Argument Student Guide.” Strategies, Skills and Models for Student Success in Writing and Reading Comprehension. College Station: Texas A&M University, 2024. This work is licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).