[tlug] Paul Graham's Disagreement Hierarchy

["Josh Glover" <jmglov@example.com>]

Wow, this essay is worth reading for anyone who frequents technical
mailing lists (e.g. TLUG):

http://www.paulgraham.com/disagree.html

Paul Graham defines a Disagreement Hierarchy, which can help both
readers and writers identify intellectual dishonesty and keep
disagreements from degrading into flame wars. Here's his definition of
"DH4. Counterargument.", which is the lowest level TLUG posters should
ever use:

    "Counterargument is contradiction plus reasoning and/or evidence.
When aimed squarely at the original argument, it can be convincing.
But unfortunately it's common for counterarguments to be aimed at
something slightly different. More often than not, two people arguing
passionately about something are actually arguing about two different
things. Sometimes they even agree with one another, but are so caught
up in their squabble they don't realize it."

Aim for DH5 and DH6, please.

-- 
Cheers,
Josh