Lecture Notes: Working Definitions of Communication Terms

Overview

• Objective: Establish working or operational definitions for key communication terms: discussion, disagreement, argument, and fight.
• Purpose: Ensure consistency in understanding throughout the course.

Key Terms and Definitions

1. Discussion

• Definition: A conversation where two or more people talk about something, regardless of agreement.
• Example: Two people excitedly talking about the Super Bowl.

2. Disagreement

• Definition: Arises from a discussion when parties start thinking the other side is wrong.
• Example: Differing opinions on which team will win the Super Bowl.

3. Argument

• Definition: A disagreement where each party tries to convince the other of their correctness.
• Example: Persuading the other about why a football team will win based on stats and facts.
• Academic View: Argument is viewed as positive; a valuable tool for problem-solving and exchanging ideas.
  • Example: NASA's Apollo 13 mission used argument as a problem-solving tool.

4. Fight

• Definition: When an argument escalates, leading to loss of control and potentially insults.
• Example: An argument about the Super Bowl that turns into personal attacks.

Special Considerations

• Public Record Arguments: Avoid arguing over matters that are a matter of public record; it is non-productive.
• Silly Arguments: Arguments over unpredictable outcomes, like sports results, are non-productive.

Case Study: Apollo 13 Mission

• Context: Illustrates the value of argument in crisis resolution.
• Method: Teams presented solutions, subjected to scrutiny and collective input.
  • Outcome: Successful problem-solving without personal offense.

Questions to Consider

1. Every Argument is a Disagreement: Yes
2. Every Disagreement is a Discussion: Yes
3. Every Disagreement is an Argument: No
4. Every Argument is a Fight: No

Conclusion

• Hierarchy of Terms: Each term encompasses the preceding ones (e.g., a fight includes the elements of argument, disagreement, and discussion).
• Purpose: Establish clear, consistent definitions to guide communication studies.