The Principal of Charitable Interpretation

When in debate, or when in communication at all, the Principal of Charitable Interpretation is a principal which can, and I would say should, be used. This principal facilitates communication and speeds meaningful conversation.

• only if all rational interpretations of a statement are false can the statement be deemed rationally false.
• 3 kinds of statements:
  • denotative
  • connotative
  • metaphorical/analgous
  • precise vs loose
  • slight change in wording help?
  • finding 'the heart' of the statement/argument
  • original intent