Visual Arguments

This week we are reviewing how visual arguments are similar and dissimilar from more traditional, written arguments. I for one am a bigger fan of visual arguments, in the right context. Probably nothing can compare to the power of a well written speech as far as political/social progress goes, but I think that visuals excel in drawing attention to a problem.

Because visuals do not normally have an official meaning in writing, they force the viewer to come to his or her own conclusions, which generally leads them to also form their own opinion on it. For example, a speech on why someone should give money to the Christian Children’s fund might get a few people to donate, but it doesn’t care the full emotional weight that those commercials do (with the pictures of the cute/starving children). Because we as humans tend to think through emotion more than logic, visuals can be quite effective.

-Matt S.