Entering the Conversation

We all draw on the ideas of others as we develop our own positions, regardless of the topic. Whether you are explaining your opinion about an issue specific to your community (such as whether to allow skateboarding in public parks), or you are developing a position on a national or global issue (such as whether to change immigration policies), you should know as much as possible about the topic. Rather than make a quick response that reflects an opinion based only on what you already know, you must research and read sources—what others have written. Then you can develop your own informed opinion, a measured response that considers multiple perspectives and possibilities. We call this process synthesis, which involves considering various viewpoints in order to create a new and more informed viewpoint.

Think of it this way: You show up at a party. There are a dozen different conversations going on. You approach one group of people who are having a heated debate. You’ll need to listen for a while to understand what the specific topic is, what has already been said, who is taking what side, and what they’re not saying. Then, by either expanding on what others are saying, challenging what others are saying, or filling in a gap in their understanding, you will begin to enter this conversation and make your own contribution. And that’s what synthesis is all about: entering the conversation that society is having about a topic. You enter the conversation by carefully reading and understanding the perspectives and ideas surrounding an issue, examining your own ideas on the matter, and then synthesizing these views into a more informed position than the one you began with.

When you’re learning about a subject, look for reliable sources. Be aware of the bias that a source brings to the topic. Consider the speaker: What does he or she believe in? How might the speaker’s position provide personal gain? Don’t look for a pro-and-con debate that represents only polarized views; look for a range of viewpoints. This might sound like a lot to keep in mind, but don’t worry, you work with sources all the time. When you decide to buy a new cell phone, you gather information by exploring different sources. You might consult Consumer Reports and other technology magazines. You’d compare prices and technical specs. You’d ask your friends for their opinions and experiences, and you might go to a computer store and talk with the experts. You might read reviews online or use forums as a quick source for many opinions. But you might not talk to your grandfather, who may be new to cell phones himself, nor would you get all of your information from a salesperson, who likely works on commission. The final result of your inquiry is a purchase, not an essay, but you just synthesized a range of sources in order to make the argument to yourself that the phone you chose is the best fit for you.