Threats aren’t arguments – but they reveal when someone can’t make one Somebody makes an argument. The response they get – “you better agree with this, or you’ll lose your… Read More
Appeal to Force (Argumentum ad Baculum)
Posts in Critical Thinking
Appeal to Emotion
Your emotions are valid, but they’re not arguments “Think of the children.” Every time those four words show up in a policy debate, critical thinking should go on high alert…. Read More
Genetic Fallacy
Where an idea comes from doesn’t tell you if it’s true Somebody presents research findings. The response they get – “that study came from a conservative think tank. Obviously biased.”… Read More
Guilt by Association
Bad people can hold correct positions – that’s not a contradiction Somebody proposes a policy idea. The response they get back is – “you know who else supported something like… Read More
Tu Quoque (You Too)
When hypocrisy becomes the whole argument “You’re saying we should cut carbon emissions? Your country is one of the biggest polluters on the planet.” “You’re criticizing corporate greed? You own… Read More
Red Herring
How to derail a conversation without anyone noticing Somebody’s in a debate about school funding. The numbers are clear, the arguments are laid out, and then somebody on the other… Read More
Straw Man
Why defeating fake arguments is easier than engaging with real ones Somebody proposes a moderate position on gun control – let’s say universal background checks. And the response they get… Read More
Translating with Trust: The Principle of Charity
The Principle of Charity demands you interpret arguments in their strongest possible form – not to concede they’re right, but to ensure you actually understand what you’re rejecting. Steel man, not straw man.
Read MoreThe Syllogism Test: How to Dismantle Bad Arguments
When an argument sounds reasonable but feels wrong, rebuild it as a syllogism. The hidden premise is usually where it falls apart. Works on AI doomers and everyone else.
Read MoreReading the Fine Print: Unmasking Hidden Assumptions
Every argument has hidden assumptions connecting evidence to conclusions. Learning to find them – and evaluate them – is how you stop accepting bad reasoning from your own side.
Read MoreThe Logical Bridge: What Is an Inference?
Why some conclusions are guaranteed and others are just really good guesses Essay 11 covered the difference between an argument and a fight. An argument has premises leading to a… Read More
Arguments vs. Fights: Defining the Conclusion and Premises
Why your Thanksgiving dinner debate was probably just conclusions dressed up as reasoning Picture this. Somebody is at Thanksgiving dinner and their uncle corners them in the kitchen to explain… Read More