We all know about 'straw-manning', everyone's favorite debate tactic. Rather than argue against what someone actually said, we misrepresent their position, and then attack this weaker version of their beliefs. The old switcheroo. The straw man is, unfortunately, a very effective debate tactic. It's an easy way to look like you're scoring big points against … Continue reading Rationality Recap: Steel Man →

Have you ever heard an argument about whether the United States should build a wall along the Mexican border? Maybe it started out with a debate about crime related to illegal immigrants. Then it pivoted to a debate about the cost of immigrants regarding social services. Then perhaps it veered over to the topic of … Continue reading Rationality Recap: The Double Crux →

"I have no idea how anyone could believe that." Whenever I catch myself thinking this, I try to recognize that this is probably a personal problem. It's a flaw with me, not with the person I disagree with. I should understand people before I disagree with them. If I have no idea why someone believes … Continue reading Rationality Recap: The Ideological Turing Test →