Steelmanning: How to Discover the Truth by Helping Your Opponent

Steelmanning: How to Discover the Truth by Helping Your Opponent

Introduction:

The concept of steelmanning reminds me of Plato's Republic and Socratic dialogue, where the pursuit of truth was paramount. In our everyday lives, it may not always be practical to engage in steelmanning, but it holds immense value, especially in emotional high-stakes topics. By being open and flexible to listen to our opponents, we can gain a deeper understanding of the truth. John Stuart Mill, in his work On Liberty, captures the essence of this approach when he says, "He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." So, let's explore the art of steelmanning and how it can help us discover the truth.

1. Create the Best Version of Your Counterpart's Argument:

To engage in steelmanning, we must first craft the best possible version of our counterpart's argument. Instead of strawmanning, which involves misrepresenting a position to make it easier to attack, steelmanning requires us to polish up the very position we do not hold. This exercise challenges our own views and prompts us to consider alternative perspectives. As John Stuart Mill aptly puts it, "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." Treating a contentious subject as if we were getting to know a new person or discovering a new culture helps us delve deeper into the matter. Writing down our thoughts also aids in structuring our arguments and identifying any weaknesses.

2. Help Your Counterpart Steelman Their Argument:

Steelmanning does not require us to agree with everything the other person says. Instead, it involves helping them construct the best possible case for their beliefs. By doing so, we gain a better understanding of their perspective and see the world through their eyes. This process takes us another step closer to uncovering the truth. Just as John Stuart Mill states, "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."

3. Argue On Your Counterpart's Behalf:

To truly grasp the full picture, we must argue on our counterpart's behalf. This means understanding the most plausible and persuasive form of their arguments. By immersing ourselves in the difficulty that the true view of the subject has to encounter, we can better appreciate and address the challenges it presents. Motivated reasoning often clouds our judgment, as we tend to justify positions that align with our emotional desires, even when they contradict the evidence. Engaging in steelmanning helps us overcome this tendency and brings us closer to the truth.

Actionable Advice:

1. Approach contentious topics with an open mind, treating them as opportunities for personal growth and understanding. The more we feel disagreement with what we discover, the more our views are challenged, and the closer we get to the full picture.
2. Write down your thoughts and arguments, as this exercise helps structure your thinking and reveals any flaws in your reasoning. It also provides a tangible record of your exploration and ensures that your points are well-defined.
3. Practice arguing on behalf of your opponents. By understanding their perspective and presenting their arguments in the most persuasive manner, you can gain a deeper insight into the complexities of the subject and move closer to the truth.

Conclusion:

Steelmanning is a valuable tool for discovering the truth. By helping our opponents craft the best version of their arguments, we challenge our own views and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand. Engaging in steelmanning requires effort and willpower, but it is a worthwhile endeavor that brings us closer to the truth. So, let us embrace the art of steelmanning and foster a culture of open-mindedness, empathy, and intellectual growth.