Pros-vs-Cons Reasoning

Pros-vs-cons reasoning seeks to weigh up the arguments for a case (pros) against the arguments against the case (cons).

The argument will usually end up with a conclusion of whether the pros or cons are stronger, thus precipitating a 'reasonable' conclusion. Things that will make a 'pro' stronger (and vice versa) include:

• More logical arguments.
• More evidence being displayed (including actions and perceptions of other people).
• Greater emphasis being put on key words.
• More arguments for the case.

Starting with the favored side allows you to fill the other person's mind with the key points, such that the second list becomes less easy to absorb. Starting with the disfavored side allows you to make it sound reasonable, then knock down each of the disfavored arguments with stronger arguments for the contrary case.

You can also choose between giving all of one side and all of another or alternating between each side (the latter is good for comparing related for-and-against arguments).

Pros-vs-cons reasoning seeks to weigh up the arguments for a case (pros) against the arguments against the case (cons).

The argument will usually end up with a conclusion of whether the pros or cons are stronger, thus precipitating a 'reasonable' conclusion. Things that will make a 'pro' stronger (and vice versa) include:

• More logical arguments.
• More evidence being displayed (including actions and perceptions of other people).
• Greater emphasis being put on key words.
• More arguments for the case.

Starting with the favored side allows you to fill the other person's mind with the key points, such that the second list becomes less easy to absorb. Starting with the disfavored side allows you to make it sound reasonable, then knock down each of the disfavored arguments with stronger arguments for the contrary case.

You can also choose between giving all of one side and all of another or alternating between each side (the latter is good for comparing related for-and-against arguments).

(Source: Changingminds.org)

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