The Purpose and Practice of Making Reasoned Arguments in a Democratic Society: A Philosophical Inquiry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53573/rhimrj.2025.v12n6.011Keywords:
Reasoned Arguments, Democratic Society, epistemic virtue, critical thinking, MisinformationAbstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore the need for an argument to present itself in an ethical manner, and in doing so it must be an inclusive argument that is necessary for democratic societies to function, building upon classical traditions from Eastern and Western philosophy as well as the thoughts of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Śaṅkara, Dewey, and Habermas. The paper will argue that making an argument is not a contest or battle to win people over to one's ideas or group but rather arises from epistemic virtue, critical thinking, and civic engagement in a cooperative pursuit of truth and justice. Misinformation, digital polarisation, and performative politics undermine public discourse. Honesty and accountability are moral, ethical, and democratic imperatives for making arguments. Finally, this paper will address the need for sincere and responsible argumentation.
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