The point of critical thinking should not be destroying an opponent but solving problems, making the best possible decisions, finding the best position, etc. Cooperative research is the better model to keep in your mind. The goal of cooperative research is to find the truth . The goal of combative debate is to defeat an enemy, regardless of the truth. Let s leave that to people of lower moral character.
Argumentation is one tool of persuasion among many others.
One can persuade an audience with a strong argument, but one can also persuade through emotional manipulation, intimidation, deception, the power of charisma, etc. Also, attempting to persuade through rational argumentation is a sign of respect for your audience, a way of reasoning between equals. Other forms of persuasion aim primarily at persuading an audience, regardless of the truth, and generally disrespect or even abuse the audience. Once again, let s leave that to people of lower moral character. We will study reasoning , which is distinct from studying reason, or rationality, in general.