James Maclaurin is a philosopher of science at the University of Otago. He has a particular interest in the life sciences and computing and information science (particularly artificial intelligence and it’s impact on humanity). We asked him to talk about how to argue constructively.
The world has been turned on its head. Traditionally stable democracies are wobbling left and mostly right. Voters are supporting policies and politicians that would have seemed bizarre five years ago and seem frightening now. Perhaps it will happen in New Zealand. We don’t know. The details differ from the USA to the UK to France to Holland, but everywhere, communication is breaking down. Truth itself is under attack.
Political polarisation on a grand scale is getting Humanities scholars out of bed very early in the morning. But as a long time teacher of Critical Thinking (PHIL105), I can’t help but see this as a very personal everyday problem.
How can we live together in an environment in which disagreement is filtered out of our Facebook feeds, and where politicians and activists feel entitled to make up facts and abandon rational debate?
What we desperately need is effective, honest, productive argument with people whose passionately held beliefs are diametrically opposed to our own. Be it immigration, jobs, climate change, abortion, taxes—all manner of political, cultural and scientific ideas—we have to be able to talk about that which divides us. But how do you do that? Here are some handy tips for having successful arguments with someone you just don’t get and who doesn’t get you.
1. Keep a cool head.
Even if you are passionate about what you are arguing for, nothing will be served if the other person thinks you are trying to intimidate them.
2. Make the debate rational.
Even if you are not sure whether the other person is being honest and serious, take them seriously. Reason the way you think we should, when arguing about important issues. (Hint: when you argue with someone, you should be trying to learn from them, not prove that they or their friends or their compatriots are less smart than you).
3. Work out what you disagree about.
Is it the facts or is it the values you hold? State your reasoning. Ask for theirs. Tell them why you think your argument is convincing. Ask them why they think theirs is. Keep going until you both understand how each other’s arguments work and what assumptions they rest on.
4. If you disagree on the facts, visit factcheck.org.
I recommend their article on “How to Spot Fake News”. Talk about evidence. Tell them what sort of evidence would make you change your mind. Ask them what would change theirs. If you can’t agree on the facts and it really matters to both of you, consider taking a course. Physics, History, Chemistry, Criminology, Genetics, you’ve come to the right place.
5. If you disagree about values, work out what values are doing the work.
I value my sleep because I value my health, because I value happiness. So happiness is the fundamental value here. The others are just instrumental. Fundamental disagreements about values are common and they can be managed. Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, History and many other departments are full of expertise about making diversity a fuel for success, not a recipe for disaster.
6. See the other person’s point of view.
If you find this hard, try writing down your arguments and then reading out each other’s. Tell them what you think they think. Ask them what they think you think.
7. Acknowledge bias.
Human beings have built-in cognitive biases. Amongst other things, we are much more likely to be persuaded by arguments and evidence that support the beliefs we currently hold. Check out the Wall Street Journal’s red and blue feed experiment (graphics.wsj.com/blue-feed-red-feed/) to see just how polarised social media is making public debate. So ask yourself “how might people disagree with me?” Try out your argument on people you don’t know so well or you think of as holding different opinions to yours.
8. Be practical.
Acknowledging the differences between you, how do you think we should best live together? What concessions should we make to one another?
...and once you’ve done all this work, make it count for something. Keep talking to people outside your filter-bubble. New Zealand has an election later this year. So, be it here or in the land you call home, get out and vote!