Coaching practices for Evaluate Arguments Fairly
Describe almost anything you are working through and IX Coach finds the practices whose real-world fit is closest. For Evaluate Arguments Fairly, these are the strongest matches in the current practice library.
Does this sound like the set of challenges you might be facing?
- I wave through arguments on my side that I’d tear apart in a heartbeat if the other side made them
- I notice I’m really arguing against this person
- A flimsy study that confirms what I want I’ll wave straight through, but a solid one that contradicts me I’ll pick apart for hours
- I notice I believe things mostly based on who said them
- Every reason I come up with points the same way, and that smoothness is starting to make me suspicious
Practices that may help
- Apply the double-standard check: would I accept this reasoning if it pointed the other way?
Test whether you are holding your team’s arguments to a lower bar than the other side’s.
The Scout Mindset - Separate the argument from the arguer
Address the claim on its merits, not the person’s motives or character.
Productive Disagreement, Made Practical - Apply the same evidence standard regardless of whether you like the conclusion
Grade the evidence before you know which conclusion it supports.
Motivated Reasoning - Evaluate the argument structure, not the source
Map the logic and evaluate it independently of who made the argument.
Argument Mapping - Add the strongest objection to every major supporting reason
For each supporting reason, find the best counter and put it on the map.
Argument Mapping - Steel-man before you rebut
Restate the opposing view in its strongest form before you argue against it.
Productive Disagreement, Made Practical - Find the strongest version of the opposing view
If there are multiple ways to interpret a position, choose the most defensible one.
Steelmanning - Rate the strength of each logical link
Assign a confidence to each "supports" or "rebuts" link, not just to the conclusion.
Argument Mapping - Recognize when contrast is being used on you
Awareness of the contrast principle is the antidote — evaluate options against an independent standard, not the presented sequence.
The Contrast Principle, Made Practical - Ask what alternative perspectives would say
Deliberately steelman the strongest objection to your current position before treating it as settled.
Socratic Questioning
Related concerns
- How To Evaluate Arguments Fairly
Address the claim on its merits, not the person’s motives or character.
Separate the argument from the arguer
- Argument Strength Rating
Assign a confidence to each "supports" or "rebuts" link, not just to the conclusion.
Rate the strength of each logical link
- How Can I Counter The Argument There Is Better And There Is Worse
Present a weaker option or negative context first so that your preferred option shines by comparison.
Sequence information so the most favorable item follows the least favorable
- When Elaboration Likelihood Model Strong Argument Quality
When your audience is engaged and able, weak arguments actively backfire — make every point earn its place.
Lead with argument quality on the central route
- When Scout Mindset The Double Standard Check
Test whether you are holding your team’s arguments to a lower bar than the other side’s.
Apply the double-standard check: would I accept this reasoning if it pointed the other way?
- Best Case Objection
Acknowledge the strongest objection, then refute it — this is more persuasive than ignoring it.
Use two-sided messages with a sophisticated audience
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