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Re:Bob Taylor Has Died by protomyth on Friday April 14, 2017 @11:22PM (#14119185)
Being able to state another's position correctly even when you don't agree with it is also a wonderful learning tool. Not only do you understand their mindset, but it also tests your own mindset for any holes in your thinking and provides a direction to move your thoughts if warranted. The problem is making sure you are actually stating someone's opinion correctly and not just paying it lip-service. I can see how having a 3rd party would be really, really helpful.
Re:Bob Taylor Has Died by thorgutierrez on Saturday April 15, 2017 @01:14AM (#14119504)
Yes, Anatol Rapaport's rules are very useful for constructive debate.

https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/03/28/daniel-dennett-rapo...

How to compose a successful critical commentary:

1. You should attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.

2. You should list any points of agreement (especially if they are not matters of general or widespread agreement).

3. You should mention anything you have learned from your target.

4. Only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.

Re:Bob Taylor Has Died by ThrustVectoring on Saturday April 15, 2017 @12:23AM (#14119385)
>The problem is making sure you are actually stating someone's opinion correctly and not just paying it lip-service.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Caplan#Ideological_Turin...

tl;dr - Take the standard turing test that attempts to distinguish between human and computer generated text, and change the parameters slightly so that it attempts to distinguish between "this is what I believe" and "this is what my opponents believe".

Re:Bob Taylor Has Died by amelius on Saturday April 15, 2017 @03:34AM (#14119784)
Well, the point is to state another's position to their satisfaction.