“Typically we learn to “argue” by assertion. That is, we tend to start with our conclusions – our desires or opinions – without a whole lot to back them up. And it works, sometimes, at least when we’re very young. What could be better? Real argument, by contrast, takes time and practice. Marshaling our reasons, proportioning our conclusions to the actual evidence, considering objections, and all the rest – these are acquired skills. We have to grow up a little.”
