The base assumption of argument is that the writer is trying to change another person’s mind or actions. The verbs we use are:

• to convince
• to persuade
• to prove
• to prevail upon
• to establish

Would you add anything else to that list?

Even if our goals are great… to encourage critical thinking, to invite passion, to create community, to advocate for social justice… if we pursue those goals using the same tools of the oppressors, then we are not changing anything. We are only changing the bosses. The traditional tool of oppression is violence. Demanding that people change their minds or agree are emotionally and mentally violent actions.

What if we redefine argument? Instead of convincing or persuading, argument could be about listening, empathizing, and collaborating?