Greene Summary and Response

In writing the article, Argument as Conservation, Greene aimed to convey to readers how
the overall idea of an argument should be seen “as a conversation.” (pp. 32) For Greene
expresses such through a metaphor, later explaining what is entailed within an argument and how
that reflects to everyday conservation. This idea to be carried through the article as it supports his
thesis on the idea of inquiry being means to effectively write a researched argument. He
elaborates by writing, “As a form of inquiry, then, writing begins with problems, conflicts, and
questions that you identify as important.” (pp. 32) For Greene sought to inform readers on the
multiple steps that should be taken in writing a researched argument, guiding with an alternative
perspective. His process included the collecting of information relevant to the argument(whether
past or present), committing to a position in argument with support from given information, and
as Greene says best be “means for advancing a conversation,” incorporating your opinions and
perspectives with purpose. (pp. 33) This guided process furthering readers ideas on how to
approach specific arguments to best capture it’s full essence and provide an actual impact to the
conversation. Thus expanding upon how writing amongst their communities attributes to the
growth of themselves and others.

People are able to grow from writings, whether it be self-reflections or teachings. For
writing allows “dialogue” and interpretation. It’s in writing that one notices that “The
conversations that have already been going on about a topic are the topic's historical context.”
(Greene, pp.33) Communities with these past writings may only expand from such being that
new inquiry and experiences have been made possible through the previous writings. For
example, within the community of cuisine, new recipes are being written, added to recipe books,
yet would not be possible if it weren’t for past recipes that chefs had experienced and chosen to
alter. As they have now come to experience certain tastes and habits, more is being added to
argue, causing conversation within community. Community of cuisine surely attests to Greenes
process as it involves much of taking into consideration and evolving from that, especially with
great difference in cultural backgrounds and upbringings. Although an argument is much to
persuade readers, it should be seen simply as adding one’s own opinions/perspectives. Greene
even mentions as to how to “frame” yourself into being impactful to conversation with your
input. For Greene has impactfully opened eyes to readers as how writing, especially
argumentative, should be seen as more than what it is, look deeper into its meaning.