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Argument Quote by Don Feder

“When they can't win a debate (can they ever?), leftists deploy what the late novelist/philosopher Ayn Rand called the argument from intimidation. Instead of trying to refute the other side, they label their opponents' position evil, attribute sinister motives to its adherents, and charge that its…” quote by Don Feder
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“When they can't win a debate (can they ever?), leftists deploy what the late novelist/philosopher Ayn Rand called the argument from intimidation. Instead of trying to refute the other side, they label their opponents' position evil, attribute sinister motives to its adherents, and charge that its proponents are encouraging violence.”

Don Feder

About This Quote

Source Article: “The Argument from Intimidation”, 2019

Labeling opponents as evil and attributing sinister motives replaces rational debate with intimidation, stifling constructive discourse.

In simple terms: Intimidation blocks rational debate.

Key Takeaway

Promote reasoned dialogue.

Themes

politics argumentation ethics

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • online forums
  • public policy discussions

Key Concepts

Rhetoric cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we identify intimidation tactics?
  • What strategies foster respectful disagreement?
A Different Perspective

Some may view labeling as necessary for moral clarity.

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