John_Maxwell_IV comments on Let Them Debate College Students - Less Wrong

46 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 09 September 2009 06:15PM

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Comment author: John_Maxwell_IV 10 September 2009 08:23:42PM 0 points [-]

The college student doesn't have to wear jeans...

Comment author: MichaelVassar 11 September 2009 11:27:16AM *  3 points [-]

Yes he does. disrespect is part of the point, and Americans like underdogs and generally don't like young members of the establishment.

Comment author: Hans 10 September 2009 10:59:42PM 2 points [-]

Okay, but he's clearly young. I don't see how sending a low-status person to debate a high-status person could ever convince the adherents of the high-status person.

Comment author: John_Maxwell_IV 11 September 2009 02:14:13AM 2 points [-]

I think the opinions of bystanders are more important.

Comment author: wedrifid 11 September 2009 08:31:26AM 1 point [-]

They are. But that's also where Hans' point is most important. Will the fact that what the student is saying is 'obviously being right' overcome the flair, status and woo of his opponent in influence on the audience? I'd be very surprised.