steelman
Say it: STEEL-man /ˈstiːlman/ · verb
What “steelman” means
Present an opposing argument in its strongest form.
More precisely: To restate an opposing argument in its strongest form before responding to it.
When to use it
Before disagreeing, when you want to show you understand the strongest version of the other person's case. Common in thoughtful debates.
Memory trick
The opposite of a straw man: strengthen the opposing argument before testing it.
Similar words
charitably restate, strengthen
Where it comes from
Coined as the opposite of 'straw man'.
Quick check
Before criticising a proposal, you explain its best reasons more clearly than its supporter did. What do you do?
steelman or caricature?
Show the answer
steelman
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