Argument Mapping Software: Free Tools Compared

Free argument mapping software exists—but not all of it does the same job. Some tools are built for education, some for debate, some for diagramming logic and catching fallacies. We compared three you can use without paying: Rationale (classic desktop-style), bCivic (civic debate focus), and Argument Cartographer on schrodingers.cat (logic linter + forum). Short version: if you want to map arguments and get feedback on structure and fallacies in one place, the Cartographer is worth a look.

What argument mapping software is for

Argument mapping turns reasoning into a diagram. Premises, conclusions, objections—you see how they connect. Good software lets you add nodes, link them (supports/undermines), and sometimes flags circular reasoning or missing support. The goal is to make your (or someone else's) argument visible so you can improve it. You're not just summarizing; you're exposing structure. That's why it pairs well with critical thinking and philosophy: once you see the structure, you can spot gaps and fallacies. If you're new to argument mapping, read What is argument mapping? for the basics and How to spot logical fallacies for how mapping and a linter help catch them.

Rationale

Rationale is a long-standing argument mapping tool. You build maps with premises and conclusions; it's used in schools and universities. The free tier is limited; full features often require a license. Solid if you're in an institution that already uses it. Less ideal if you want something that's free, web-based, and tied to a philosophy community. It's desktop-oriented and focused on education; the interface is familiar to anyone who's used similar tools in a classroom.

bCivic

bCivic is aimed at civic debate and dialogue. You can map arguments in a collaborative, debate-oriented way. Good for group discussions and structured disagreement. Less focused on logic checking (e.g. circular reasoning, contradiction) and more on presentation and exchange. If your main goal is to run a structured debate or a civic dialogue, bCivic may fit. If your goal is to improve your own reasoning and catch fallacies, you'll want something with a logic linter.

Argument Cartographer (schrodingers.cat)

The Argument Cartographer is a free, web-based argument mapping tool. You build maps with premises, conclusions, and evidence; a logic linter flags circular reasoning, contradictions, and unsupported claims. You can export maps and share them to the forum for feedback. It's built to pair with learning paths and Socratic dialogue—so you're mapping arguments in the same place you're reading and discussing philosophy. No desktop install; no paywall. Create an account to save and share maps; browsing and trying a map don't require signup. The linter is the main differentiator: it catches structural problems that other free tools don't flag.

Which one to use

• Rationale — You're in a school or org that already uses it.
• bCivic — You care most about civic debate and collaborative mapping.
• Argument Cartographer — You want free, web-based mapping plus logic checking and a philosophy forum in one ecosystem.

Summary. Free argument mapping software ranges from education-focused (Rationale) to debate-focused (bCivic) to logic + community (Argument Cartographer). Pick by whether you need licensing, collaboration, or fallacy checking. For more on how to use the Cartographer with paths and dialogue, see What is argument mapping?.

Try the Argument Cartographer →

Key takeaway: Free argument mapping software ranges from education-focused (Rationale) to debate-focused (bCivic) to logic + community (Argument Cartographer). Pick by whether you need licensing, collaboration, or fallacy checking.