tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193904647861354194.post1163859497663993193..comments2024-03-21T00:18:03.388-07:00Comments on Gray Matters: Don’t Patronize Opponents Who Have Better Arguments Lightning Rodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08487328226097425615noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193904647861354194.post-51668294381814906862012-09-20T19:47:44.302-07:002012-09-20T19:47:44.302-07:00The line "disagree on first principles" ...The line "disagree on first principles" covered this case, where an argument ends with two sides "agreeing to disagree" because they differ on several fundamental assumptions.<br />Lightning Rodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08487328226097425615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7193904647861354194.post-41165525829797905042012-09-20T09:09:00.735-07:002012-09-20T09:09:00.735-07:00Even in a debate, I disagree with this point. Some...Even in a debate, I disagree with this point. Sometimes it is best to "agree to disagree". Of course, it must be done politely, but arguments must end somewhere. On the other hand, while condescension, and its cognate "patronisation", are unattractive, this tactic of calling everything non-argumentative which undermines our position as "patronising" is equally ridiculous. <br />It's as equally patronising to say "you're patronising" in these circumstances, as it is saying: "I am using a hallowed, stiff-upper lip phrase to say how immoral and hypocritical and pompous you are and what an ethically-superior and stoic victim I am". Well, tosh!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com