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Logic / Unit 1   Logic 024 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Principle of Charity

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The idea

When reconstructing someone's argument, supply the most reasonable version of any missing pieces — attack the best reading, not the worst.

In practice

If a missing premise could be "all politicians disappoint" or "most do," charity picks "most."

Where people slip

Refuting the weak reading refutes nothing. It just feels like winning.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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