Many philosophers teach courses and/or write textbooks on topics such as reasoning, argumentation, informal logic and critical thinking. And they do so in a world where many people, including politicians, teachers, celebrities, activists, etc., sometimes make specious arguments in a deliberate attempt to persuade listeners about various social and political issues. I am curious to know if there are contemporary philosophers who address the ethics of rational discussion in this context, and if there are philosophers who are concerned about how the "Machiavellian" use of specious arguments may undermine their efforts to teach people to be better reasoners, arguers and critical thinkers.