They're trying to lay out an argument which is consistent and continuous and keep surprise to a minimum.

他们试图自然地建立起一个论点,使之一致，使我们的诧异最小化。

耶鲁公开课 - 文学理论导论课程节选

Because you want to minimize the amount of enemy soldiers that reach Rome or whatever location it is.

因为你想使入侵罗马,的敌军兵力最小化

耶鲁公开课 - 博弈论课程节选