I've thought there are three ways to view the Principle of Charity, depending on what you think its aim is. The exegetical aim is to accurately determine the au

I've thought there are three ways to view the Principle of Charity, depending on what you think its aim is. The exegetical aim is to accurately determine the author's belief or intention. The pragmatic aim is to conduct the most fruitful discussion of the matter in question. The ethical aim is to be duly respectful of the author. Moreover, it strikes me that these three aims overlap in practice for the most part, but not entirely.