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A common [word] espoused by climate change deniers is that global temperatures haven't increased for ten years, and thus anthropocentric climate change is not real.

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line 5.2 A manner of doing or thinking about something: the superintendent was thinking along the same lines oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/line However, espoused does not fit the context. –  Kris Jun 27 '14 at 5:21
The word theory would fit there, but is more general than just a line of reasoning. –  AndrewC Jun 27 '14 at 8:08

5 Answers 5

Argument: a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood; fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason; a set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.

  • A popular argument of climate change deniers is that the Earth's warming and cooling over millions of years is not connected with... The Guardian
  • One argument of climate change deniers is the fact that many of the extremes we're seeing: Heat... Nature.com


You can also use position.

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In the example sentence given in the question, previously-suggested argument is highly suitable. But in other instances of a “common line of reasoning for a given issue”, the following terms may apply:

paradigm, in its sense “A system of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality” or its sense “A conceptual framework—an established thought process”
mindset, “A way of thinking; an attitude or opinion, especially a habitual one”
party line, “The official policy of a political party or other organization”
received wisdom (or received opinion) “generally accepted or believed”

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~[2], "Dogma" The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. Ed. John Bowker. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. York University. 25 October 2011 http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t101.e2044.

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To the list of related words according to the context I'd add:


  1. clarification or explanation of the meaning of; elucidation
  2. construction of the significance or intention of: to interpret a smile as an invitation.

  3. An explanation or conceptualization by a critic of a work of literature, painting, music, or other art form; an exegesis.

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A topic of discourse or discussion.

An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif.

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