Blog #1

1. The advantages according to the authors are as followed. It’s applicability in real life conversations and dialogue. It encourages active listening. Nothing we say is left without a response, especially if  we state our opinions out in a public setting. The model provides us with a way of navigating other peoples ideas and allows us to introduce our ideas and opinions in a more effective manner. The model also makes people care, by providing a reason for arguing the opposition; by stating or implying the oppositions stance. You can’t just say climate change is an issue that must be addressed immediately without first explaining the ignorance that still propagate around the issue. Otherwise why would anyone care? Lastly the model serves as building blocks; if you know the rules, you can break em. Like words in a sentence, they can be used creatively and only serve as a segue in introducing and/or comparing your own ideas, with theirs.
2. I agree that looking at artwork helps us analyze situations practically. It’s the act of deducing information and interpreting art where it’s applicability shows. With that in mind it’s important to note that a lot of information in life is often revealed to us without context, and it’s our inquiry and observation that helps us gather information and formulate the right questions to learn more about what it is we are confronted with. It’s no different from looking at art. Because even art is presented with little to no context, it’s our jobs as observers to figure out it’s intention; because it too has a story, and developing the most effective questions and deductions can help us conclude those said intentions.