"When explaining I usually presume that my conclusion is correct and focus on optimizing the credibility and presentation of my arguments"
Thats because your sentences are badly formed.
As a debater (i know how much you guys hate debating and testing your theories), i have to do allot of explaining, and if i include any flaws or fallacies from critical thinking (something else you dont know about), then i know, and my opponent should know, that this is a mistake. So to illuminate them helps to create a logical explanation. And that is our goal.
Too bad no one here seems to know diddly squat about critical thinking OR debating.
What brings you to Less Wrong, CriticalSteel2?
How do you notice when you're rationalizing? Like, what *actually* tips you off, in real life?
I've listed my cues below; please add your own (one idea per comment), and upvote the comments that you either: (a) use; or (b) will now try using.
I'll be using this list in a trial rationality seminar on Wednesday; it also sounds useful in general.