Construct Steel Arguments Not Straw Ones We need to learn to argue more effectively to get at the truth

Construct steel arguments: We often use a straw argument to win a disagreement when we should use a steel one.

Straw Arguments

A straw man argument is common in debate, and it often goes unnoticed. When you want to win instead of understand, you might use this move. In these cases, you do not seek truth. Instead, you create a weaker version of the other person’s argument, making it easier to attack. Rather than listening carefully to what someone actually says, you respond to something you have invented. Since this version is easy to defeat, it lets you claim victory, but you have not truly engaged with the real issue.

Steel Arguments

On the other hand, a steel argument works differently. You focus on building the best and clearest version of your opponent’s argument. After you state their view as strongly as possible, you check with them to be sure it is accurate. When they agree, you then respond to the argument they truly hold. Because this approach is open and honest, it leads to more useful conversations. In the end, both sides benefit by facing the real issues together.

The video below gives a clear example of a steel argument.