Rogerian essay thesis

A Rogerian essay is a type of argumentative essay. It was named after American psychologist Carl Rogers, who proposed a new theory of argumentation. This approach can be successfully used for sensitive and highly controversial issues. It allows the arguer to persuade the public with minimal risk of hostility.

The middle ground argument takes a middle position between the main opposing positions on the issue. The Rogerian argument instead finds the optimal position for disagreeing sides with the aim to find a compromise that will suit all parties. So, let’s see what you need to do to write an excellent Rogerian essay in the next section.

Rogerian essay topics are slightly different from the usual essay topics that students are used to. They aim at drawing your opponent into a heated debate or to encourage them to come into a negotiation. In fact, these essays are considered a peculiar version of democratic discussion.

In most traditional essays, the thesis statement is given first, often in the introductory paragraph, and does not take into consideration opposing views. What makes a Rogerian thesis different from a regular thesis is that it presented only after the writer has conceded that opposite viewpoints exist and that they have some merit.