A diagram illustrating Paul Graham's Hierarchy of Disagreement, depicted as a pyramid with different levels of argument quality, from 'Name Calling' at the bottom to 'Refuting Central Point' at the top, with descriptions for each level.

Paul Graham's Disagreement Hierarchy diagram, a pyramid showing levels of argument quality.

GRAHAM'S DISAGREEMENT HIERARCHY Refuting Central Point Correctly identifying an opponent's central point before arguing against it. Refu- tation Finding evidence in an argument you believe is mistaken, then explaining why it's mistaken. Counter- argument Contradiction plus reasoning and/or evidence. Aimed squarely at the original argument. Contradiction State opposing case with little or no supporting evidence. Responding to Tone Someone with chip on their shoulder, offended by a tone that others find neutral. Ad Hominem Attacking opponent's character Name Calling The lowest form of disagreement. @anilsaidso