Disagreement Hierarchy
A way to classify the form of disagreement, from weakest to strongest. Higher levels require more work and are rarer, forming a kind of pyramid.
Levels
- DH0 Name-calling: "u r a fag" or pretentious equivalent ("self-important dilettante"). Zero weight.
- DH1 Ad Hominem: Attack the person (e.g., "Of course he would say that. He's a senator."). May be relevant but does not refute the argument.
- DH2 Responding to Tone: Criticize how it was said rather than what. Tone is secondary and hard to judge objectively.
- DH3 Contradiction: State the opposing case with little or no evidence.
- DH4 Counterargument: Contradiction plus reasoning/evidence. Often aimed at a slightly different point.
- DH5 Refutation: Quote a mistaken passage ("smoking gun") and explain why it is mistaken.
- DH6 Refuting the Central Point: Refute the main point (or something it depends on), explicitly committing to what that point is.
Properties and Value
DH levels describe form, not truth — a DH6 can be wrong. They set an upper bound: DH2 or lower is always unconvincing.
Uses:
- Critical reading tool to see through forceful but empty arguments.
- Helps writers recognize and move up from low levels.
- Real arguments don't need meanness; higher levels correlate with less meanness and better outcomes.
See the source essay for detailed examples at each level.