"Steelmanning: How to Find the Truth by Helping Your Opponent"

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Sep 27, 2023
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"Steelmanning: How to Find the Truth by Helping Your Opponent"
He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them… John Stuart Mill, On Liberty
Steelmanning is the art of crafting the best possible version of an opponent’s argument, the so-called steel man argument. The steel man argument is the opposite of strawmanning, the (wilful) misrepresentation of a position to make it easier to attack. However, as Mill implies, the benefit lies in you getting the best possible understanding of both sides of an argument.
A devil’s advocate identifies a prevalent position or orthodoxy and argues against it for the sake of exposing its potential weaknesses. While devil’s advocacy conjures up a dissenting viewpoint, steelmanning takes an existing counter position with the intent to make it as strong as possible.
The first step of the challenge is to put our own views on the back burner and focus on our counterpart’s arguments. But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion…
Treat a contentious subject as if you were getting to know a new person or discovering a new culture. By immersing yourself in the opposing argument, you can gain a deeper understanding of its nuances and complexities. This will allow you to craft the best version of your counterpart's argument, enabling you to engage in a more meaningful and productive debate.
Nor is it enough that he should hear the opinions of adversaries from his own teachers, presented as they state them, and accompanied by what they offer as refutations. He must be able to hear them from persons who actually believe them…
In order to truly steelman your opponent's argument, you must help them in the process of strengthening it. Engage in constructive discussions with individuals who hold the opposing viewpoint and encourage them to present their arguments in the most persuasive and plausible form. By doing so, you not only gain a deeper understanding of their perspective but also contribute to the overall quality of the debate.
He must know [the reasons on the opposite side] in their most plausible and persuasive form; he must feel the whole force of the difficulty which the true view of the subject has to encounter and dispose of; else he will never really possess himself of the portion of truth which meets and removes that difficulty.
To truly grasp the strength and weaknesses of an argument, it is important to put yourself in your opponent's shoes. By understanding and empathizing with their viewpoint, you can better appreciate the challenges and difficulties they face in defending their position. This exercise not only expands your own knowledge but also helps you develop a more well-rounded and nuanced perspective on the subject.
But there’s one way left we can feel the difficulty of the argument. By walking and talking a mile in our opponent’s shoes. Defeating your own proper steel man argument is a challenge. But there’s a pleasure and meaning in sharpening our own position by having it questioned in the best way possible.
In conclusion, steelmanning is a powerful tool for finding the truth and engaging in productive debates. By crafting the best version of your counterpart's argument, helping them strengthen their position, and arguing on their behalf, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the subject but also contribute to the overall quality of the discourse.
Three actionable advice to implement steelmanning in your own discussions are:
- 1. Approach contentious subjects with an open mind and a willingness to understand opposing viewpoints. By setting aside your own biases and focusing on the arguments of your counterpart, you can gain valuable insights and expand your own knowledge.
- 2. Engage in constructive discussions with individuals who hold different beliefs or opinions. Encourage them to present their arguments in the strongest possible form and engage in thoughtful debates that challenge your own perspectives.
- 3. Continuously strive to improve your own argument by subjecting it to the steelmanning process. By actively seeking out counterarguments and questioning your own position, you can strengthen your own understanding and develop more robust arguments.
Incorporating steelmanning into your intellectual pursuits not only enhances your ability to find the truth but also fosters a culture of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue. By embracing the challenge of understanding and strengthening opposing arguments, we can collectively move towards a more informed and nuanced understanding of complex issues.
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