Logic isn't just for catching errors. Used well, it lets people who disagree make real progress.
Steelman before you respond
The opposite of a straw man is a steelman: restating the other side's argument in its strongest form before replying. If your response only works against a weak version, it doesn't work.
Who carries the burden of proof?
Whoever makes a claim is responsible for supporting it. "Prove me wrong" doesn't shift that burden. The bigger the claim, the stronger the support it needs.
Map the argument
Before agreeing or disagreeing, lay the argument out: premises numbered, conclusion last. Then ask two questions from level 2: Is it valid? and Are the premises true? Most disagreements turn out to be about one specific premise. Finding it saves hours.
Example: mapping a Universal Humanism argument
- Worth comes from being human.
- Every member of a nation, religion or class is human.
- Therefore, every member of a nation, religion or class has worth, equally.
The form is valid. So anyone who rejects the conclusion has to reject a premise, and now the conversation knows exactly where to go.
Stay correctable
Changing your mind when shown a better argument isn't losing. It is the whole point. Good reasoners hold conclusions with confidence that matches the support behind them, and they say which premise would change their mind.
Use these tools on CivilSimian's Propositions and Directives: map the argument, steelman the other side, find the disputed premise, and vote on what survives.