Outlines on Goodpoint have a very specific format. They are support outlines. In other words, every argument is supporting the viewpoint that is is one level above it in the hierarchy.
TK: an illustration showing what it means to be "one level above" in the hierarchy
With the help of the Goodpoint science team, we found that Support can be broken down into two main types: reasons and examples.
Pro tip: It's interesting that a viewpoint can be an example in one argument but a reason
in another. It depends on the context. Keep that in mind when you think of using an
existing viewpoint!
When to use a description versus reasons. In other words, when do you stop building out the sub-hierarchy and what are the benefits/consequences of that decision?
Wherever you have ending ideas, you will be writing a description that serves as the support. In other words, that will take the place of a sub-hierarchy. Your examples and reasons for why the idea is valid will simply be a block of text.
Outline the reasoning of your argument.
The easiest way to start writing on Goodpoint is to start the first line with the point you’re trying to make (e.g., “It Should Be a Woman's Choice Whether or Not to Use a Surrogate"). Then, begin listing out the reasons why you believe that to be true, and give examples where appropriate.
Indent a line when it’s a reason for the idea above it. For example, "The typical view is that using a surrogate shouldn't be done unless necessary" is an indented reason that supports the main point above it (i.e., It Should Be a Woman's Choice Whether or Not to Use a Surrogate).
The Goodpoint Editor
The screenshot below shows the outline view of an existing idea on the Goodpoint platform.
