arguments

Robert H. Thouless: Thirty-eight dishonest tricks which are commonly used in argument, with the methods of overcoming them

(via Rebecca's Pocket)

To confess my own trickery tendencies:

6) Diversion to another question, to a side issue, or by irrelevant objection

I do like an occasional wander through the left field - off the beaten track. I always hope to find a clincher hiding in the marginalia.

17) Change in the meaning of a term during the course of an argument

Oh well - language is organic.


see also: How to win arguments

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Comments: arguments

Guilty as charged on all counts...
Posted by dick jones at June 20, 2004 08:38 AM

Me too...
Was a dishonest tactic to cite only two of my tricks.

It can almost read as a scenario of an argument in 38 stages. The drama really kicking in with 'special pleading"

(39. Daggers.)
Posted by boynton at June 20, 2004 06:25 PM