Why this project?
After 10 previous RageBuilder projects that leaned heavily on canvas-based visualizations and Web Audio sonification, Argument Forge is a deliberate pivot into an entirely different interaction model. Research into argument mapping tools (Rationale™, Argunet) revealed that most existing solutions are either expensive academic software or require accounts. There's a genuine gap for a free, immediate, browser-based tool that helps anyone structure their reasoning visually — whether preparing for a debate, planning an essay, or untangling a complex issue.
What is it?
Argument Forge is a card-based argument mapping tool. You build logical structures by adding cards for Claims (your main points), Evidence (supporting facts), Rebuttals (counterarguments), and Assumptions (unstated premises). Cards are connected with relationships like "supports," "undermines," "explains," or "assumes" to reveal the full architecture of your reasoning. It's designed for critical thinking, debate preparation, essay planning, and understanding complex issues.
How does it work?
- Card system: Each argument element is a draggable card with an editable text area. Four types (claim, evidence, rebuttal, assumption) are color-coded for quick visual scanning.
- Connections: Click "Connect Mode" in the toolbar, then click one card and drag to another to create a relationship link. Choose the type of relationship (supports/undermines/explains/assumes) from the popup selector.
- SVG rendering: All connection lines are drawn on an SVG layer using quadratic bezier curves that dynamically update as cards are repositioned.
- Export: Your argument map can be exported as JSON for saving or sharing, and loaded back in to continue working.
- No backend needed: Everything runs client-side with vanilla HTML/CSS/JS — no server calls, no accounts, no data sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Add cards: Click any type button (Claim, Evidence, Rebuttal, Assumption) in the toolbar, or use the quick-add buttons on the empty state.
- Edit text: Click directly on a card's text area to edit it. Press Escape to finish editing.
- Move cards: Drag cards by their header bar to reposition them on the workspace.
- Connect cards: Enable "Connect Mode" in the toolbar, click a source card, then click a target card. Select the relationship type from the popup.
- Delete connections: Hover over a connection line and right-click (or click) to delete it.
- Delete cards: Hover over a card and click the ✕ button in its header.
- Load examples: Click "Examples" to browse pre-built argument maps on topics like AI in education, remote work, and social media regulation.
- Export: Click "Export" to download your argument map as a JSON file you can save or share.
- Clear all: Click "Clear" to remove everything and start fresh.