Sheldon, since you're into AI, I got Grok to write up something for me. What it wrote is accurate, as far as I know:
If you're genuinely interested in fair and rigorous debate, you might try some of these things.
Quote:In argumentation, what is the "principle of charity"?
The principle of charity in argumentation is the practice of interpreting an opponent's argument in its strongest, most coherent, and most reasonable form, even if the original presentation is unclear or flawed. It involves assuming the best intentions and giving the benefit of the doubt to ensure a fair and productive discussion. By reconstructing the argument to be as persuasive as possible, you engage with its substance rather than exploiting weaknesses in its expression. This fosters mutual understanding and avoids strawman fallacies.
What does it mean to "steel man" an argument?
To "steel man" an argument means to strengthen an opponent's position by presenting it in its most robust, coherent, and persuasive form, even beyond how it was originally expressed. This involves addressing the strongest possible version of their argument, filling in gaps, clarifying ambiguities, and assuming the best reasoning behind it. Unlike merely summarizing, steel-manning aims to engage with the most defensible interpretation to ensure a fair and rigorous debate, often as an extension of the principle of charity.
If you're genuinely interested in fair and rigorous debate, you might try some of these things.
