Resources

Types of rebuttal

True?

Something their argument relies upon (premise) is empirically false.


Causality

Logical links in their argument don’t stand up


Non sequitur

Accept the first part, but not the second. ‘It does not follow that’


Assertion

Lack of analysis to back up their points


Tension

If an argument is true, it harms something else in their case. CAREFUL, don’t just point out tension, point out why it's harmful.


Contingent

Depends on them proving something else. (Weak, has to be used with something else usually)


Comparative

Yes, your attack/argument may be true, but look at the comparative. Better on our side


Hard Comparative

Pot, Kettle, Black: yes, this thing is bad, but it happens more under your side


Shrinking circles

Who cares? Minimize the scale of their argument.


Worst case scenario gaming

Same as above but defending your own argument from attacks.


Strawman

The opposition is using the wrong and often simpler version of your argument.

Credit: The immutable Will Cook