CF Dictionary A reference for Critical Fallibilism

CF Dictionary · Discourse & Debate

Discussion Tree

An idea tree applied to a specific conversation. CF uses it to track what's been said and what still needs answering.

A discussion tree is an idea-tree applied to a specific conversation. CF uses it to keep track of arguments and replies.

Why discussion trees

  • Conversations get lost. People forget what's been said.
  • Meta confusion. It's hard to tell whether an issue is resolved.
  • Paths Forward requires seeing what's still open.

What goes in the tree

  • Main claims by each participant.
  • Arguments for and against.
  • Replies and counter-replies.
  • Open questions that no one has addressed.

What gets left out

  • Small talk.
  • Repeated points (link to the original node).
  • Meta-bickering (use meta-level nodes carefully).

Practice tips

  1. Don't include every message. Include important points.
  2. Add to the tree as you go. Edit as discussion evolves.
  3. Mark your own unanswered nodes. Open invitations to critics.
  4. Be brief. Each node is a summary, not a transcript.

Anti-patterns

  • Including everything. Trees become unreadable.
  • Letting one side dominate. Add the other side's points.
  • Never updating. A stale tree is worse than no tree.

"Discussion trees provide a better way to judge expertise." — criticalfallibilism.com