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Steelman an opposing view
This prompt writes the strongest and fairest version of a position you disagree with, so you can understand it properly.
I disagree with this position: [POSITION]. Write the strongest, fairest version of it as its most thoughtful supporter would present it. Include the best evidence, the values behind it, and what they think opponents get wrong. Then list the two points where I might be wrong and the two where the position is weakest.
Read the steelman before you argue; you will disagree better even if you still disagree.
Get a better result
The strongest, fairest version of a view you disagree with, with its best evidence, the values behind it and what its supporters think critics miss, then two places you might be wrong and two where it is weakest.
The steelman is a weak version that is easy to knock down.
Fix: Ask it to write as the view’s most respected supporter would, and to include the argument you find hardest to answer.
- The “best evidence” includes studies that may not exist. Ask it to describe the kind of evidence without fake citations, then look up any study it names before quoting it.
- The position is described too broadly. State the exact claim, such as “cities should ban cars from the centre”, not “cars are bad”, so the argument stays focused.
Ask for the strongest case for and against, side by side, then a short list of facts both sides agree on.
Here is my reply to the steelman: [MY REPLY]. Where does it still misread or dodge the other side’s strongest point?
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