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Winning every argument... Sounds unrealistic, because none of us is always right. But we don't have to be. By using rhetorical devices, i.e. nasty language tricks, we can make others believe that we are right and thereby win the argument. Even if neither logic nor facts are on our side. In "Eristic Dialectic" (also published under the title "The Art of Being Right") by Arthur Schopenhauer, 38 of these rhetorical devices are listed. ➣ To the audio book on Audible: https://alnk.li/yp ➣ To the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IWd8SK Key ideas: 1. Straw man argument By using a straw man argument, you cleverly change the issue in dispute to a topic that sounds similar but is much easier to beat. In other words, you argue against a position that your opponent does not actually support at all and, by using this straw man, you twist his words, so to speak. 2. Argumentum Ad Hominem The basic ingredient of any dishonest discussion. When we run out of arguments on a factual level, we can instead simply attack our opponent directly. For example, you can accuse them of being ideologically blinded, forcing them to defend themselves rather than their point of view. 3. Kafka Trap Really nasty: accuse your opponent of something malicious that, when they deny it, only further underlines their guilt. For example, that they are an alcoholic. By making this accusation, we put our opponent in a bind from which they can hardly escape. Whether they agree or disagree, it is always proof that the accusation is true. 4. Tu Quoque Argument You can fend off an objection to your position by replying that the same objection also applies to your opponent's position. In simple terms, it is a "same" on a slightly higher level. 5. Petitio Principii Here, a claim is justified by statements which assume that the claim to be proven is already true. In "understandable" terms, this means: you prove something with yourself. For example: "God exists because it says so in the Bible. And the Bible is true because it is God's word." Exciting topic? Then take a look here: How to counter every saying - Always give quick-witted answers ➙ • How to counter every saying ➙ Always S... 3 fierce counters (better not to use them) ➙ • 3 fierce counters (don't use them!) How to master small talk (even if you're an introvert) ➙ • How to master small talk (even if you're an introvert)