What is a TruthMap?

A truthmap is an argument that has been broken down into its component parts that allows not only for very specific critiques but also through a process of revision allows arguments to evolve and strengthen or to disintegrate: all without digression. A TruthMap compels us to think rationally about a topic.

Why was this site created?

TruthMapping was created because traditional methods of debate, whether through conversation, message boards or e-mail, have the same flaw which is that the flow of information is always outward, away from the topic. TruthMapping solves this by making the topic the context which can not be escaped and allowing only revisions of statements, critiques and rebuttals (while maintaining conversation history) to keep everyone focused on the discussion. For more information on the benefits of TruthMapping please see About This Site.

How do I add a new topic?

To add a new topic go to a category page and select the "Add a New Topic" option.

Why do I need to revise my critiques and rebuttals?

Revising your critiques and rebuttals gives you the opportunity to make your best argument in as refined a manner as you possibly can.

Very often individuals do not immediately understand one another's points and a dialog of revised posts allows an opportunity to discover the true disagreement without adding noise to the discussion which is typical of conversations, e-mail and message board debates. What remains at the end of this process is just the clear cut, mutually understood disagreement of both parties. Not revising often makes for a messy, disjointed post that is often difficult for others to decipher what you are really saying and that is truly counter-productive.

Just as you turn in final drafts of a document to an employer or teacher in order to put your points forward as elegantly as possible, so too should you revise your critiques and rebuttals.

And all of your previous critiques and rebuttals are available just under your posts in the critique/rebuttal history so anyone can read how both of you came to your conclusions.

Can I link directly to any content?

Absolutely. In the header of each statement, critique and rebuttal is a link icon (3 chain links) that you can click on or copy in order to get a URL for that item. This icon is right next to the e-mail icon (an envelope) which will allow you to easily e-mail a link to whomever you would like.

Can I form teams to discuss a topic?

Yes. Participation levels for teams of Defenders, Critics and even Evaluators can be specified any time you create or revise a topic. Need help defending a topic? Sign up a friend to help you out! Would you like to restrict participation to your class, organization or group of friends? Feel free to do so.

Is it important to rate critiques and rebuttals?

Scoring critiques is especially important because critiques appear after topic statements in 'most agreed' order; this gives what is hopefully the most relevant critique the most important placement following the topic statement in question.

Also, critique ratings are reflected in the topic "All Ratings" graphical map which helps everyone to see exactly where others have found fault with the topic.

You can also use the topic "Ratings Breakdown" option to see exactly how everyone has rated each critique and rebuttal.

The more emotional and/or political the topic, the less relevant the scoring is likely to be. Keep a level head people.

Do high agreement ratings indicate that a statement/critique/rebuttal is true?

Absolutely not. This is a collaborative tool for making very focused arguments but it can not determine what is true and what is false. Deciding whether a topic is rational or not is up to you.

However, viewing 'All Ratings' in a topic does assist in easily showing you where others find fault with an argument but this is not the default behavior because the tool is best used when each individual examines the topic in order to determine for themselves whether the topic is rational.

Also, the more emotionally or politically charged a topic is, the more likely it is that the agreement ratings will have nothing to do with the truth of the map.

Please take agreement ratings with the same grain of salt that you would the rankings of a movie reviewer in your local paper. Your mileage may vary significantly.