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"Assume good faith" and "avoid ad hominem" are not "naive." They are necessary. You simply cannot have a fruitful discussion without both parties agreeing on th
by rcoveson 7y ago
"Assume good faith" and "avoid ad hominem" are not "naive." They are necessary. You simply cannot have a fruitful discussion without both parties agreeing on those rules. Even if you are convinced that your opposing party is not arguing in good faith, it is still in your best interest and the interest of those observing that you argue your own side using proper technique.
If you have given up on this, there's no point in participating at all.
- djrobstep 7y agoI am not saying these things as a means to insult. I am not up on a debate stage here debating Trump on a stage. I'm simply describing what motivates people on the political right. There is no end of literature to support this view. You may find it troubling to accept that many people in politics aren't acting in good faith or motivated by pure virtue. But it's true!