No Straw MenEnlightened discourse proscribes arguments that are weak or imaginary, like straw, set up only to be confuted summarily.

If one addresses only the weakest arguments, one betrays the weakness of one’s own arguments.

“to argue sophistically, to suppress facts or arguments, to misstate the elements of the case, or misrepresent the opposite opinion.”

rather than an ideological bludgeon,” to engage honestly and thoroughly with the most forcible criticism.