How to make a valid argument

How to make a valid argument

“One of the fundamental ideas in science is the concept of falsification. It means that for any theory a person gives, there must be some evidence to show that the theory is wrong. If there is no way to show that the theory is wrong, it is worthless as an explanation.” Dr Cooper’s loud voice boomed across the lecture room.

“Now, we might say theories like the Marxian theory or the intelligent design theory isn’t really a theory, because whatever one says, those proposing these ‘theories’ have ways of arguing so that any evidence you give fits their theory. For example, if you say a public library is built to benefit the poor, which will prove the Marxian theory wrong, they’ll tell you the public library is just to keep the poor happy so that they won’t revolt. And if you say no public library will be built, they’ll say this is because the rich want to keep the resources for themselves and exclude the poor. Damn if you are and damn if you aren’t.”

“Now, one important lesson I’ve learnt from this and had applied to my daily life is that whenever I’m arguing with someone, and the argument seems to drag for longer than I expect, I would stop the person and ask him the question, ‘Is there anything I can say or show you that would make you agree with me?’. If the person says, ‘Absolutely no’, then I’ll just stop the discussion and walk away. This is because he probably has a theory on the topic that is not falsifiable in his head. There is no way you can talk him out of it. Hence, the best thing to do will just be to walk away and save your time.”

A hand was raised in the audience.

“But wouldn’t this walking away be a sign of weakness? The other party would have thought that you’ve conceded in your argument.”

“No. It would be a sign of weakness if you walk away from a real argument, when the two of you are on level playing field. But in this case, the other person will never ever change his mind no matter what. So what’s the point of arguing? It is not even an argument at all.”

“Of course, as a side note, whenever you want to engage in an argument with anyone and want to make sure that you are being fair to the other guy, ask yourself this question as well, ‘Is there anything the other party can show that will convince you that you are wrong?’. If your answer to this is no as well, you might as well not start the argument, because it just shows that you are not intending to make a good case, but is clouded in your judgment by blind faith.”