Argumentation Techniques
Hypothetical Reasoning
Explore arguments through 'what if' scenarios and conditional thinking.
What & why
Our brains constantly simulate future scenarios to prepare for them, a process called 'prospective memory' or 'mental time travel.' Hypothetical reasoning harnesses this by inviting audiences to mentally rehearse possibilities, making abstract futures feel concrete and real. This simulation creates emotional engagement and helps people internalize consequences they haven't yet experienced.
Before & after
“Vague speculation: "Things could go wrong, so we shouldn't try anything new."”
“Structured hypothetical: "If we launch in Q3 instead of Q4, we'd capture holiday sales but compete with back-to-school season. Let's model both scenarios."”
When you’ll use it
Strategic planning: "What if our main competitor cuts prices by 20%? How would we respond while maintaining profitability?"
Risk assessment: "What if the new regulation passes? We'd need to retrain staff and update procedures within six months."
Resource allocation: "What if we hired two junior developers instead of one senior? We'd save K but need more mentorship time."
Crisis preparation: "What if our primary supplier fails? We'd need backup vendors and 30-day inventory buffers."
Pro tip
Use specific, plausible scenarios with concrete consequences to drive decision-making.
Questions & answers
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