principle of charity

English

Etymology

Named by Neil L. Wilson in the late 1950s.

Proper noun

the principle of charity

1. (philosophy, rhetoric) The principle according to which an argument should be evaluated in light of its best, strongest possible interpretation.

Related terms

• charitable
• overcharitable

 

Translations

principle

• Finnish: suopeuden periaate
• French: principe de charité
• Polish: zasada wielkoduszności f

See also

• cooperative principle (linguistics)
• sanewashing
• steelman