Principle of charity

In philosophy and rhetoric, the principle of charity is an approach to understanding a logical argument where you render the best, strongest possible interpretation of an argument's meaning. The goal of this methodological principle is to help people trying to understand or evaluate the truth of an argument from introducing a logical fallacy or other error into an argument that is not inherent to it. Simon Blackburn has described it as "it constrains the interpreter to maximize the truth or rationality in the subject's sayings."

External links

• Article on the principle of charity at Lander University's Phil department
• "A Code of Conduct for Effect Rational Discussion," including the principle of charity and several other principles. From Attacking Faulty Reasoning by T. Edward Damer.