If you believe that all arguments must be evenly matched, to the point that you have an obligation to bolster the weaker side, you’re signing up for supporting some despicable ideas.
I understand and support steel-manning arguments in order to test one’s own convictions. But applied in actual debates with actual consequences, at some point you end up as the kneejerk contrarian that nobody takes seriously, and that undermines the truth seeking aspect of discussion.
I understand and support steel-manning arguments in order to test one’s own convictions. But applied in actual debates with actual consequences, at some point you end up as the kneejerk contrarian that nobody takes seriously, and that undermines the truth seeking aspect of discussion.