MEPX
Chapter 10 of 10All chapters
  1. 1What an argument is
  2. 2Validity and soundness
  3. 3If, then
  4. 4All, some, none
  5. 5Necessary and sufficient
  6. 6Deduction against induction
  7. 7Formal fallacies
  8. 8Informal fallacies
  9. 9Logic puzzles
  10. 10Using it in real arguments

Chapter 10 of 10

Using it in real arguments

Where the disagreement actually is.

Find the crux

Lay out the premises and the step from them. Usually both sides accept the logic and disagree about one premise, which is a far more productive conversation.

  • Ask what evidence would change your mind, and answer it yourself first.
  • Steelman the other position: rebutting the strongest version is the only rebuttal worth having.

Certainty is rare

Most real questions are inductive, so the honest output is a degree of confidence rather than a proof. Deduction keeps you honest about which parts are actually guaranteed.