Argue Better Logic · rhetoric · fair debate

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Golden Rule of Arguments

CLAIM + BECAUSE + REASON = ARGUMENT

A claim is what you think. A reason is why. Without the reason, it is only a wish.

Valid vs Sound

  • Valid: If the premises were true, the conclusion must be true.
  • Sound: Valid and the premises are actually true.
  • Inductive arguments are judged strong or weak, not valid/sound.

Steel-Manning

Before you reply, state the strongest fair version of the other side. Do not twist their words into something easier to attack.

Common Fallacies / Sneaky Tricks

  • Straw man — twisting words
  • Ad hominem — attacking the person
  • False dilemma — only two choices
  • Hasty generalization — jumping big
  • Appeal to authority — famous ≠ right
  • Slippery slope — one step to disaster
  • Circular reasoning — saying it twice
  • Appeal to emotion — feelings instead of reasons

Ethos · Pathos · Logos

  • Ethos: credibility / character
  • Pathos: emotion (honest vs manipulative)
  • Logos: logic and evidence

Super Thinker’s Promise

  1. I will give reasons, not just wishes.
  2. I will listen for the best version of the other side.
  3. I will watch for sneaky tricks — in others and in myself.
  4. I will change my mind when the reasons are better.