Demonstrating fairness.
Demonstrating fairness. In arguing a position, writers must deal fairly with opposing arguments (also called counterarguments). Audiences are more inclined to listen to writers who seem to consider their opponents’ views fairly than to those who ignore or distort such views. The following questions can help you discover ways of establishing yourself as open-minded and evenhanded:
- How can you show that you are taking into account all significant points of view?
- How can you demonstrate that you understand and sympathize with points of view other than your own?
- What can you do to show that you have considered evidence carefully, even when it does not support your position?
Some writers, instead of demonstrating fairness, may make unjustified attacks on an opponent’s credibility. Avoid such attacks in your writing.
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