mstevens comments on Open thread, 18-24 March 2014 - Less Wrong

1 Post author: David_Gerard 18 March 2014 12:26PM

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Comment author: mstevens 19 March 2014 03:39:25PM 6 points [-]

Any tips on bailing out of an argument if you want to very nearly concede the whole thing without quite saying your opponent is right?

eg if you realise the whole conversation was a terrible mistake and you're totally unequipped to have the conversation, but still think you're right.

Should you just admit they're right for simplicity even if you're not quite convinced?

Comment author: Metus 19 March 2014 06:59:01PM 9 points [-]

I state the truth: "I tend to get too attached to my opinion in live debates and want to think about your arguments in peace."

The people that get offended by this tend to be not the kind of people I want to associate with anyway.

Comment author: Ben_LandauTaylor 20 March 2014 06:40:03AM 6 points [-]

"Good point. I'll think about that when I have the chance."

Comment author: someonewrongonthenet 23 March 2014 11:38:55PM 1 point [-]

"I'm not really convinced by your argument, but I need to learn more about this issue before I can speak coherently on it"

Comment author: ChristianKl 19 March 2014 03:50:35PM 0 points [-]

I think our conversation raised a lot of interesting points, I think all the interesting stuff has been said. How about we switch topics?

Comment author: mstevens 19 March 2014 03:54:19PM 1 point [-]

That works as a neutral "let's move on". I sort of want a feeling of conceding more (but not totally) though.

Comment author: Lumifer 19 March 2014 04:10:43PM * 8 points [-]

How about "I understand the points you're making, let me think more about them"..?