The Art of being always right

Arthur Schopenhauer

M. Brannens M. Clemenceau

Decision Making

Table of contents
Introduction Schopenhauers biography Aim of The Art of always being right Mecanisms & Technics (9/9) Conclusion

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Introduction
Written in 1831 Schopenhauer through 38 stratagemes shows us how to win a discussion.

Opposition between dialectic and eristic.

Behind this, we notice 9 different strategies associated to actions.

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Schopenhauers Biography

Date (1788 Dantzig-1860 Frankfurt) Philosopher knew for the Theory of the Will (world is driven by a continually dissatisfied will, continualy seeking satisfaction). Human desir is futile, illogical, directionless, and, by extension, so was all human action in the world. He was against differing treatment of races, anti-slavery, and supported the abolitionist movement in the United States. Considered animals as humans and thank woman is by nature meant to obey

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Aim of The Art of always being right

2 methods of argumentation for resolving problems : dialectic & eristic Dialectic : win the discussion guided by reasonned arguments

Eristic : win the discussion whatever the logic or the arguments

Examples of cases where you can be in difficulty and how you can win the debate
Decision Making

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Mecanisms & Technics (1/9)

Stratageme Amplify Play on words senses Generalize 1 2 3

EXTENSION
Peremptory assertion 6

Refute exaggeration
Degrading association

23
32 Decision Making

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Mecanisms & Technics (2/9)

Hide his game False arguments Confuse the issue Erase your tracks

Stratageme 4 5 7 9 10 11

DISGUISE ITS METHOD

Antithesis Induction Pompous/Scornful Title Contrast Be loose

12
13 15 Decision Making

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Mecanisms & Technics (3/9)

Stratageme

Injustice

OPPONENT S ANGER

Insult

38

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Mecanisms & Technics (4/9)

Make a distinction

Stratageme 17

Change the subject

Ordinary debate Refuse concession

18
19 22 29 31 33 38 Decision Making

LAST RESORT

Create a diversion Declare oneself unskilled Oppose theory & practice Insult

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Mecanisms & Technics (5/9)

Stratageme

Push opp. to the limit

27

EXPLOITING WEAK POINTS

Insist on diversion

34

Refute proofs opp.

37

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Mecanisms & Technics (6/9)

Stratageme

Bet on silly audience

28

USE OF IGNORANCE

Speak a lot

36

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Mecanisms & Technics (7/9)

Stratageme Declare victory 14

Conclude

20

FALSE ARGUMENT
Deform opp. thesis 24

Mystify

30

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Mecanisms & Technics (8/9)

Stratageme

Compromise opp.

16

ARGUMENTA TION AD HOMINEM

Silly ? = silly answer

21

Find an exception

25

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Mecanisms & Technics (9/9)

Stratageme

Turn opp. argument

26

REVERSED ARGUMENT ATION

Shoot himself in the foot

35

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making

Conclusion
No matter your way of discussing, the most important thing is to win the debate. Most of time we use a dialectic speach but eristics argumentation can be a help for anybody in difficulty during a discussion or a negotiation. Controversy is efficient for both part if they have the same level of intelligence and knowledge.

The Art of being always right A. Schopenhauer

Decision Making