Two Sides to Every Argument

When somebody tells you that there are two sides to every argument. I recommend that you back up and take a careful look. An argument is by definition multiple views being asserted and contested, so saying that there are two sides to every argument is redundant- like saying a circle is round.

So unless you suspect that the person reminding you of the obvious believes you to be an idiot, something strange is occurring here.

Does the central point of the argument hinge on factual data, evidence, facts? If so, then there may be multiple arguments, but only one will be 100% correct. When police and courts and experts attempt to reconstruct the events of a crime, there is only one way that the events of the crime actually occurred. It is possible that this one correct chain of events will be discovered. It is also possible that none of the arguments presented and argued over will be the one correct chain of events. But unless all the arguments presented are all the same argument, it is impossible for all the arguments presented to be fully correct. If there is variance between the arguments, and the arguments concern facts, then some or all of the arguments will be wrong to a greater or lesser degree.

By using the phrase “there are two sides to every argument” the person making this assertion is leading listeners towards the false proof of false equivalency. And arguments are not all equivalent. 2+2=5 is not an equally valid method of adding two and two.

So be very careful of the statement “There is two sides to every argument.”

The person may have meant any of the following:

“I do not think you have properly evaluated the facts. And have reached an incorrect conclusion.”

“I think that both of these arguments may be partially right, and therefore also partially wrong.”

“I do not like people disagreeing with me, and will push you psychologically rather than lose.”

“I don't like people arguing and just want a solution where everyone stops yelling at each other.”

“I do not understand basic logic and the realities of physical laws.”

“I have a liberal arts degree or was raised by a mentor figure who taught me that winning the argument meant I am right, regardless of the facts.”