A method to end violent, unreasonable argument
Guys, learn to argue in syllogisms.
For instance:
Major Premise I
Arguing in syllogisms makes one's argument clear;
Major Premise II
Making one's argument clear is worthwhile;
Conclusion
Therefore, arguing in syllogisms is worthwhile.
Of course, merely arguing in syllogisms doesn't make your point right. In the above example, you may object to my major premise; but at least everyone (including you) can see the argument.
Furthermore,
Major Premise Ia
Arguing in syllogisms focuses the argument on the issue;
Major Premise Ib
Focusing on the issue avoids attacks against people;
Major Premise II
Avoiding attacks against people and focusing the argument on the issue are conducive to reasonable discussion;
Major Premise III
Reasonable discussion is the object of this forum;
Conclusion
Therefore, we should argue in syllogisms.
Don't worry if you are making improper generalizations at first (for instance, "all life is sacred"); just put them down, and we can have a discussion about them (other people may offer satisfactory refinements).
It may often seem tempting to use
enthymemes (syllogisms with hidden premises), as the following:
All politicians are liars;
Therefore, Kim Beazley is a liar.
(which is missing the minor premise "Kim Beazley is a politician")
However, I think, for now, giving the full syllogism would be best.
So, from now on: syllogisms and only syllogisms!