06/03/2026
Argument is my second favorite A-word. In the technical sense of the word, argumentation is testing different ideas through discourse to try and find the best-supported answer to some question. An argument doesn't have to be a nasty interaction on day time talk shows. Granted, arguing can be spirited, but if done well, it can be an enlightening process---especially if both parties commit to finding the best answer rather than being right, which happens all the time, of course. *holds up sarcasm sign*
In this infographic, we see a hierarchy of the general types of disagreement responses. At the top is refuting the central point (which is relatively rare), while at the bottom is name-calling (which is relatively common, especially on social media).
There is a bit more to this concept, so be sure to check out the links. (Or don't. I'm the main admin for a page, not the Director of the Nitwit Rehabilitation and Prevention Task Force). For example, the hierarchy alone doesn't tell us what a good argument is. A person may attempt to refute the central point but do so fallaciously. So the hierarchy only gives us a general lay of the land. Again, see the links for more.
Graphics credit: Anna Vital, founder of Adioma. Link for more information:
https://blog.adioma.com/how-to-argue-pg-hierarchy-of-disagreement/
Inspired by Paul Graham, "How to Disagree." link:
http://www.paulgraham.com/disagree.html
