Lesson eight: tricky points of information
In for the kill: fair is foul and foul is fair
8.1. Same procedure. In today's debate, the emphasis is on formulating and practising as many difficult and insidious POIs as possible , and on learning to deal with them!
8.2. POIs often contain tricks or foul play : They cannot be ignored, but must be recognised and faced squarely. Here are a few simple strategies for practising responding to recurring situations. POIs may contain...
8.2.1 . ... disruption or disturbance
Speakers will not accept this interruption, but will continue, full of confidence:
POI: "Are you sure?"
A: "Yes, of course I am!"
POI: "Where do you...How can you...?"
A: "We have evidence.. There's a lot of information"
8.2.2. ... personal opinion disguised as facts
Speakers ask for facts & figures, emphasising that they have the better arguments / material:
POI: "Isn't it true that...?
"
A: "No, the fact is..."
POI:"But everyone knows that..."
A: "Aren't you confusing facts and figures?
People who are well-informed know that..."
8.2.3. ...clichés / prejudice / exaggeration / empty formulas:
These are refuted by throwing back the question, and asking for practical suggestions:
POI: "...doesn't make any sense."
A: "No, it's quite clear that... What do you propose?"
8.2.4. ...generalisations of individual examples:
Oppon ents cannot be permitted to doubt the speaker'scompetence, and so their competence in turn is called into question: The worm turns
POI: As I know from my own experience..."
A:
"I'm sorry to say your personal experience
doesn't mean we're wrong.
In most cases..."
8.2.5. ... trivial details or irrelevant single items e mphasised
The debate is led back to the main argument and the central issue:
A: "That' not the point!"
8.2.6. ... arrogant or condescending insinuations.
Such attacks must be detected and exposed! They are not allowed to pass!:
POI: "Apart from your really weak argument..."
A: "Where do you find it weak?"
POI: "I don't want to analyse.., but..."
A: "Please do!. Don't hesitate to tell us!"
8.2.7. ...reference to unknown experts. The Heidegger-syndrome
No evidence or quotations, facts or figures are accepted without scrutiny:
POI: "Didn't Plato say that...?"
A: "And do you agree? I'm not sure you're aware
that he also said...Can you prove that?"
8.2.8. ... personal attacks. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
A counter-attack is launched: . Hoist with their own petard
POI: "But you're too young to see..."
A: "That's exactly why I can see better..."
POI: "As a sensitive person, you should..."
A: "My feelings have nothing to do with it."
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