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About this quote

What does it mean?
Rational discussions become confusing unless the things being reasoned about are also included in the conversation.
In plain terms
Talk about what you’re reasoning on.
What can you take from it?
Include the subject matter when debating rationality.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debates
  • technical problem solving

Putting it to work

  • define terms before arguing
  • state the objects of rational analysis

Questions to consider

  • Why do rational debates get tangled?
  • How can we keep the focus on the subject?

Another view

People often argue about abstract reasoning without agreeing on the concrete objects.

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