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> The way to get the most value out of flawed people is to find the best version of their argument and then argue with that. The person isn't all that relevant.
by cjslep 8y ago
> The way to get the most value out of flawed people is to find the best version of their argument and then argue with that. The person isn't all that relevant.
I disagree. Human beings want to have their views recognized. Dismissing their views because there's a better position they could take is extremely presumptuous and doesn't generally make the conversation constructive. Because the other person will recognize their views aren't being heard, and won't necessarily care whether it's because of a misguided altruistic sense of bettering their argument for them.
- diminoten 8y agoIf it's the best way to find truth, ego is not relevant in that pursuit.
- fmihaila 8y ago> If it's the best way to find truth, ego is not relevant in that pursuit. I think this is completely true. Also, it fully validates the point you were responding to. We can be in a situation where we simultaneously realize two things: 1/ the sole remaining obstacle to agreement is our discussion partner's ego, and 2/ our partner is not yet ready to confront the truth of 1/ for reasons outside of their control. If we do realize these two things but continue to demand that the other side dissolve their ego right now or else they're not meeting our standard of good-faith (although 2/ clearly says they are), then that would be an example of our own ego getting in the way. Which shows that your criteria is valid and fully affirms the grandparent post.