Meta-Argument

An argument whose subject is another argument. It's not about the initial claim, but about the structure, validity, or motives behind the opposing case. "You're only saying that because you're emotional!" "That's a genetic fallacy!" The meta-argument is a tactical retreat from the messy battlefield of facts to the fortified high ground of rhetorical theory, where you can snipe at your opponent's way of arguing instead of their actual points.

Example: "His actual point about the budget was weak, so he launched a meta-argument: 'Your entire premise is rooted in a neoliberal paradigm that you haven't even acknowledged, which makes your following five points epistemically bankrupt.' He didn't address a single number, but he looked very smug."

by Dumu The Void January 30, 2026

Hasty Argument

An argument constructed and launched quickly, based on first impressions and surface-level understanding, without thorough preparation or anticipation of counterpoints. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of firing a slingshot before loading the stone properly.

*Example: "He made a hasty argument against the policy, quoting the headline of one news article. When presented with the actual 50-page bill and expert analyses, his points fell apart. He'd argued with the speed of outrage and the depth of a puddle."*

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Sweeping Argument

An argument that attempts to cover too much ground with too few specifics, using grand, universal language to condemn or endorse huge categories of things (e.g., "all government," "modern art," "that generation"). It sacrifices precision for rhetorical force.

Example: "Her sweeping argument was exhausting: 'Everything in popular culture is a manufactured commodity designed to pacify the proletariat!' Movies, music, memes—it was all swept into one giant, simplistic critique, leaving no room for nuance, exception, or joy."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

General Argument

The standard, commonly encountered argument form that follows a recognizable structure (claim, evidence, conclusion) about a general subject. It’s the workhorse of debates, essays, and everyday persuasion when done competently.

Example: "He presented a general argument for exercise: it improves cardiovascular health (evidence: these studies), boosts mood (evidence: these surveys), and increases lifespan (evidence: this meta-analysis). It was straightforward, evidence-based, and effective."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Special Argument

An argument designed for a unique, narrow, or highly technical context, often relying on jargon, specific legal precedents, or intricate details unknown to a general audience. It can be perfectly valid within its sphere but incomprehensible or irrelevant outside of it.

Example: "The lawyers spent hours on a special argument about the jurisdictional precedent under the maritime law of the 18th century as it applied to a digital asset transaction. It was critically important to the case and utter gibberish to anyone else in the courtroom."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Argument Blind Spot

The specific inability to perceive the weaknesses, missing premises, or emotional core of your own argument. You experience it as a solid, seamless edifice, while viewing opposing arguments as fragile houses of cards. This blind spot makes you confused and angry when others aren't instantly persuaded, because to you, your case seems invulnerable. You've literally never seen its flaws.

Example: "He couldn't understand why no one was convinced by his argument. His argument blind spot hid the fact his entire case rested on a single, uncited statistic he'd heard on a podcast, and that his tone was dripping with condescension. He saw a steel trap of logic; everyone else saw a wet paper bag of arrogance."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Self-Serving Argument

An argument crafted from the ground up not to find truth or even to genuinely persuade a neutral party, but to defend your position, justify your actions, or win favor with a specific audience that already agrees with you. Its structure, evidence, and emotional appeals are all tailored for a verdict of "not guilty" from the jury of your own ego or your in-group.

Example: "His email to the boss was a self-serving argument masterpiece. It framed his missed deadline as 'pivoting to ensure quality,' presented his team's work as his own solo 'leadership initiative,' and cast subtle blame on a colleague for 'supply chain delays.' Its purpose wasn't to inform, but to secure a bonus and shield his reputation."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026