The reasoning toolkit
Better questions.
Stronger arguments.
23 practical guides to examining a claim, making a fair case, and spotting the moves that get in the way. Persuasive is not the same as true.
Build a stronger case
Ways to connect evidence, reasoning, and real-world consequences.
Appeal to Evidence
Build arguments that another reader can check.
Appeal to Authority
Use expertise as a guide, not as a substitute for reasons.
Analogy
Use a familiar case to illuminate an unfamiliar decision.
The Existence-Proof Analogy
Use a real precedent to test a claim of impossibility.
Narrative Appeal
Make the stakes concrete without mistaking a story for proof.
Emotional Appeal
Connect evidence to the values and consequences people care about.
Specific Over Abstract
Replace vague claims with concrete, checkable cases.
Steel-Manning
Engage the strongest defensible version of the opposing case.
Test the assumptions
Questions and distinctions that make a decision easier to examine.
Socratic Questioning
Make assumptions visible through precise, open questions.
Reframing
Change the question without changing the facts.
Burden of Proof
Be explicit about what each claim needs to establish.
Reductio ad Absurdum
Test a principle by following its implications.
Strategic Concession
Acknowledge what is right before defending what remains.
Anchoring
Notice when the first figure becomes the default reference point.
Recognize misleading moves
Patterns to notice and challenge—not a playbook for misleading others.
Ad Hominem
Separate criticism of a person from scrutiny of their argument.
Bandwagon Appeal
Distinguish popularity from evidence.
False Dilemma
Look for options concealed by an either/or choice.
Red Herring
Bring a persuasive detour back to the actual question.
Straw Man
Challenge the argument that was made, not an easier replacement.
Slippery Slope
Test every link in a predicted chain of consequences.
Motte-and-Bailey
Notice when an ambitious claim retreats to a safer one.
Gish Gallop
Do not confuse a large volume of claims with a strong case.
Sealioning
Distinguish genuine inquiry from an endless demand to re-explain.
Put the reasoning to work.
Compelle brings opposing arguments, evidence checks, and a considered synthesis to consequential questions. Each engagement is scoped and delivered personally—not a self-service debate tool.