Category
Argumentation & Rhetoric
15 free guides in this category.
4 guides
Argument Structure & Models
Argument Anatomy
The essential components of logical reasoning that help us identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments effectively.
Read guideStasis Theory
A systematic process for analyzing arguments by asking four sequential questions to find the exact point of disagreement.
Read guideEnthymeme
An argument with an unstated premise that the audience is expected to supply from shared knowledge.
Read guideThe Toulmin Model of Argument
A framework for breaking down, analyzing, and building stronger arguments by identifying their six core components.
Read guide3 guides
Audience & Situation
Audience Analysis
The systematic study of who you're communicating with—what they know, believe, need, and feel—so you can adapt your message to actually reach them.
Read guideKairos: Rhetorical Timing
The art of saying or doing the right thing at the right time to achieve the greatest impact.
Read guideThe Rhetorical Situation
A framework for understanding how any communication is shaped by its audience, purpose, context, and author.
Read guide2 guides
Counterargument & Dialogue
Rogerian Argument
A conflict resolution strategy that involves understanding and validating the opposing viewpoint before presenting your own argument.
Read guideSteelmanning
The practice of reconstructing an opposing argument in its strongest, most persuasive form before critiquing it, building on the philosophical principle of charity.
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Evidence & Reasoning
Argument from Analogy
Reasoning that if two things are similar in some ways, they are likely similar in other ways too.
Read guideDeductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
Distinguish between reasoning from general rules to specifics (deduction) and from specifics to general rules (induction).
Read guideEvaluating Evidence
Systematically assess information quality to form sound judgments and make better decisions.
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Logical Fallacies: Basics
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Recognizing when an argument attacks the person making a point, rather than the point itself, to avoid being misled.
Read guideThe Straw Man Fallacy
Recognize when someone is attacking a distorted version of an argument, rather than the argument itself.
Read guideLogical Fallacy
Flaws in reasoning that make arguments unconvincing or misleading—often sounding persuasive while being fundamentally broken.
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