Principle of charity

The principle of charity requires interpreting a speaker’s statements in the most rational way possible, and considering an argument’s strongest interpretation.

Why steelman instead of strawman?

Reasoning isn’t a competition. Scoring cheap points off slips of the tongue derails the goal of arriving at truth together.

From PD20:

Developing reasoned conclusions is not a competition. You do not get points for engaging in arguments simply for the sake of arguing. Demand rigour from yourself before you demand it of others.

Interpret what others say generously and give them the benefit of the doubt. This does not mean accepting sloppy thinking, but it does mean acknowledging that people sometimes misspeak and make easily correctable mistakes. Graciously make space for them to correct their mistakes, and whatever you do, do not mock them.

In practice

Don’t highlight a Logical Fallacy every two seconds, unless it’s core to their argument.