Showing Before Explaining

Yesterday, while reading further in God In The Dock by C. S. Lewis, he said, “You must show that a man is wrong before you can explain why a man is wrong.” This really seems so basic, but as Lewis points out, we are very quick to jump to an explanation of why something is wrong, or why someone’s view is wrong without considering the most basic question of whether the person’s claim is right or wrong. This really takes me back to thinking about judging the idea, claim, or hypothesis and not the person.

Lewis argued that it is important to first establish that someone’s belief or argument is flawed or incorrect before attempting to provide an explanation or evidence as to why it is wrong. This could be seen as a way to approach discussions or debates in a logical and persuasive manner. It seems counterintuitive, but think of how many times we’ve done just that. So next time you find yourself ready to explain why someone is wrong, first consider if we can really show the claim to be wrong. There really is, as Lewis pointed out, a difference.

Byron's Babbles