,
4 tweets,
1 min read
Read on Twitter
Things to ask yourself if you think someone's wrong (1/n)
1. Is there another interpretation of their words?
EXAMPLE: A sign said “No human is illegal.” I thought it meant it was wrong to enforce immigration law. But it meant labeling people “illegals” was stigmatizing language.
1. Is there another interpretation of their words?
EXAMPLE: A sign said “No human is illegal.” I thought it meant it was wrong to enforce immigration law. But it meant labeling people “illegals” was stigmatizing language.
2. "Are we picturing different archetypal examples?"
EXAMPLE: Suppose I disagree with someone about whether “move fast and break things” is harmful. Maybe the examples of “break things” they're picturing are more egregious ethical violations than the examples I'm picturing.
EXAMPLE: Suppose I disagree with someone about whether “move fast and break things” is harmful. Maybe the examples of “break things” they're picturing are more egregious ethical violations than the examples I'm picturing.
3. "Is their advice aimed at different people than I’m picturing?"
EXAMPLE: Someone says “People should trust their gut more.” I disagree, picturing people who already trust their gut a lot. But they might have been thinking of people who defer too much to societal consensus.
EXAMPLE: Someone says “People should trust their gut more.” I disagree, picturing people who already trust their gut a lot. But they might have been thinking of people who defer too much to societal consensus.
(This advice to listeners doesn't absolve the speaker of their responsibility to try and be clear and precise about what they're arguing. But however much/little help the speaker gives you, as a listener it's still in your interest to avoid misunderstanding the speaker)
