Query:
I find people telling me that they never realized that you could actually argue on behalf of a position that you don't hold, that you could actually have a debate where you take on the beliefs you do not actually agree with.This is a crucial contribution, not just to one's life, where it's good to be wide awake and know why you're doing what you're doing, but especially to our political culture.
Have you ever argued a point that you personally don't hold ?
Comments open.
i have mixed feelings about this
if it is formal debate
and is known
that each person is arguing
the side got by drawing a straw
then it is
informative and interesting
to listen to and evaluate
both sides logically
and distanced from emotion
if you are talking
to another person
in effort to understand them
and get to know them
if they unbeknownst to you
decide to argue on a side
that has nothing to do with
what they actually think
just to get a reaction
i feel cheated in the exchange
vital
to discuss thoughts
you may or may not agree with
to examine the underpinnings
for anything valuable to know
or for fatal flaws
or to agree to disagree on
at the same time
i think it is important
to always be clear
about what you currently
believe
not advocate
a personal counter factual
but promote a discussion
of the pros and cons
of that counter factual
be open to flex your beliefs
on any insights gained
in the discussion
be transparent
in the evolution
of your beliefs
@millard_jmm
Good point.
I am not talking about being disingenuous in conversations, to elicit a response. And I am not talking about a formal debate structure. But I am talking about informal discussions with close friends, or acquaintances. Or even online. To take on the personal counter factual. And weave a thought out narrative to clarify your own thinking.