I have proposed a simple guide toward rational argumentation based on several principles of reason. I hope that it will be useful to you.
If I seek to “win” an argument out of pride or out of the desire to “be right”, I harm the pursuit of the truth.
People who disagree with me are not automatically the enemy.
I have been wrong about things before. There is a possibility I am wrong about an issue. I will remember this fact with humility.
Though I have chosen a side, the fact that I have chosen it does not make it “good” and the counter argument and the people who believe it “evil.”
There are degrees of disagreement. I will not assume that someone who disagrees with me is automatically the polar opposite.
I value an environment where people are freely allowed to disagree in the realm of ideas. I reject the use of force by government or other powers to take away people’s right to disagree and have free thought. I will seek to convince others by reason, not by force.
I will not use ridicule or name-calling or other personal attacks in argument. These have no place in rational debate, and are a sign of anger and negative emotions, not reason.
People are more valuable than arguments. I will not seek to harm a person emotionally or otherwise in a debate.
I recognize that I have personal biases. I know that confirmation bias is a weakness in everyone. I will actively be on guard against these.
Actual arguments do not involve looking up a list of fallacies on the internet and throwing them at your opponent so you sound superior.
I will not assume that there are only two sides, two solutions, or only two valid perspectives. The universe is infinite and contains many possibilities.
I will actively resist the emotions of anger and hatred during any discussion. I will have steps planned out in advance that I will take in case of extreme emotions.
I choose to expose myself to different people and points of view that are not my own instead of being isolated in a social circle with those who are like myself.
I will not try to slightly change the topic of discussion to “win” an argument. I will not continually pepper my opponent with questions while failing to acknowledge any points she or he makes.
I will not dismiss any fact or information purely based on its source; this is not logical.
I will always remain aware that groups (even my own) have an agenda and continually are working to manipulate others to agree with them for less than altruistic purposes.
I will think, argue, and debate in search of the truth. The truth is just as valuable whether I discover it by winning or losing an argument.
I choose to acknowledge my opponent’s points, be open to persuasion, and carefully listen to him or her. I do this in hopes of understanding as well as expecting the same treatment in return.
If I start a conversation already assuming I’m right, I have done myself a disservice.
I will check my sources of information for accuracy.
Life is complex. In the vast majority of cases, no side is 100% right or 100% wrong. There is merit in nearly every perspective and I will seek to find it.
I will strive to avoid identity thinking or “groupthink.” I am an individual. Though I may belong or identify with a certain group, I am not under any obligation to always agree with that group or take that side. I am an independent thinker seeking the truth.
Some of my most deeply held beliefs about myself and the universe may, in fact, be incorrect. Though this may be hard to accept, I choose to be open to this possibility.
I will analyze my own position with the same level of scrutiny that I apply to my opponent’s.
I will always remember that the pursuit of truth and reason is my goal. I will set aside emotion and pride and seek to be as objective as possible in my quest to grow and learn.