Good Arguments

Imagine a world where every disagreement is not a battle but a journey towards understanding. Arguments are not shouting matches or attempts to overpower others with volume. Instead, they are structured conversations where claims are supported by reasons—premises—that invite others to see the truth through clear, logical steps. The essence of an argument lies in this structured reasoning: a claim supported by one or more premises that provide evidence or reasons why the claim should be accepted.

Consider the simple example: "Socrates is mortal." This claim is supported by the premises "All men are mortal" and "Socrates is a man." When laid out clearly, the argument invites us to see the logic connecting the premises to the conclusion. Yet, in everyday life, arguments rarely present their structure so plainly. Often, premises remain unstated, assumed rather than expressed. These hidden premises can be dangerous, especially when they are controversial or unfamiliar to the audience. For instance, saying