STAR-MANNING

Most of us have heard of Straw-manning.

It’s is a logical fallacy where, instead of engaging with our opponent’s argument, we create a caricature of it that’s easy to tear down.

Steel-manning is the opposite. It’s when we attempt to engage with the strongest and most charitable version of our opponent’s argument.

But steel-manning is all too rare. This is because we aren’t just straw-manning each other’s arguments, but also each other.

Too many of us have convinced ourselves that those who disagree with us aren’t just wrong, they’re evil. This false notion makes communication impossible.

That’s where star-manning comes in.

To star man is to engage not only with the strongest and most charitable version of your opponent’s argument, but also with the strongest and most charitable version of your opponent, by locating and explicitly acknowledging the fundamental human values undergirding their perspectives, motivating their ideas, and informing their opinions.

These are values that we all share, as human beings, no matter how much we may differ on the details.

Very few people are consciously acting to make the world a worse place to live. Most people, most of the time, are doing what they believe is right, good, and just—or at least justifiable, given their goals.

This is the critical recognition that is missing in so much of our discourse. If we are looking to persuade others to our own sides, or to be more effective in our opposition to theirs, it is our responsibility to bring this compassionate approach to every conversation we have, on every topic, every day.

Star-manning allows us argue in truly good faith and, most importantly, make progress, because we can finally see clearly not just our opponent’s arguments, but also their humanity.

How to Have Better Conversations

Video for the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism.