Summary
"The Art of Always Being Right" by Arthur Schopenhauer, with additional commentary by A.C. Grayling, is a treatise on the strategies and tactics used in debates to win arguments, regardless of whether one is right or wrong. Schopenhauer presents a series of techniques, often cynical and Machiavellian, designed to help individuals hold their own in disputes. He delves into the nuances of controversial dialectic, which he defines as the art of disputing in such a way as to defend one's position, irrespective of objective truth.
The book outlines 38 stratagems that cover a range of deceptive and manipulative techniques. These include extending an opponent’s proposition beyond its natural limits, using homonyms to create confusion, concealing one's game plan, and exploiting an opponent's views to find inconsistencies. Schopenhauer also discusses tactics such as appealing to authority rather than reason, making an opponent angry to impair their judgment, and using diversion to change the subject when losing ground. The text provides detailed examples and explanations of how these stratagems can be employed in various scenarios.
A.C. Grayling’s introduction and additional chapters provide context and analysis of Schopenhauer's work. Grayling explores the philosophical implications of prioritizing victory over truth and discusses the historical roots of rhetoric and sophistry. He questions whether Schopenhauer intended the essay as an exercise in irony, given his commitment to truth and compassion. Grayling highlights the tension between Schopenhauer’s advocacy for intellectual honesty and his pragmatic advice on how to win arguments by any means necessary.
The book also includes appendices that delve into the nature of disputation and the distinctions between logic and dialectic. These sections offer a deeper understanding of the theoretical framework underlying Schopenhauer’s strategies. Furthermore, the text touches upon Schopenhauer’s pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that the inherent vanity and dishonesty of individuals often lead them to prioritize winning over discovering the truth. This darker perspective informs the rationale behind the necessity of mastering these argumentative techniques to defend oneself against unscrupulous opponents.
Ultimately, "The Art of Always Being Right" serves as both a practical guide to deceptive argumentation and a cautionary tale about the importance of intellectual integrity. By exposing the tricks and stratagems used in debates, Schopenhauer and Grayling encourage readers to recognize and defend against these tactics, while also reflecting on the ethical implications of prioritizing victory over truth. The book remains relevant in contemporary society, where rhetoric and persuasion play a significant role in politics, media, and everyday interactions.