ABSTRACT
Argument is a natural activity for social beings that desire to know. This chapter presents a case for thinking that argument matters, and that it is important to try to argue well. Argumentation is a process by which one maintains one's beliefs. To put the point succinctly: Democracy is a mode of political association that significantly heightens the importance of argument. A proper argument would have to compare either ideal-world kingship to ideal-world democracy, or real-world kingship with real-world democracy. The common interpretation of The Republic has Plato arguing that justice demands that political power be placed in the hands of those who are the most knowledgeable. Democratic self-government is rooted in a commitment to the cognitive soundness of a system in which individuals are permitted to freely exchange information, ideas, reasons, and arguments. Caring about arguing well about public matters is among the central duties of democratic citizenship.
