How to argue with the interlocutor: Blaise Pascal on the art of persuading

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Getting into an argument can seem like a pointless undertaking as people hate to admit they are wrong. But you can still convince the interlocutor. The great Blaise Pascal also spoke about how to do this effectively.

The thinker and scientist who lived in the 17th century was first of all remembered for the legendary bet - an argument in favor of the rationality of religious faith. This argument was the first documented fruit of decision theory.

Apparently, the outstanding Frenchman knew a lot about psychology. There is a growing perception that Pascal described a very effective way to convince another person. Moreover, he did this hundreds of years before the methods of persuasion began to be studied formally.

Blaise Pascal French mathematician, physicist, writer and philosopher.

When we want to resolve a dispute in our favor and point out to an opponent that he is wrong, it is important to find out from what angle he looks at the cause of the disagreement. Most likely, from the perspective of the interlocutor, his opinion really seems correct. We need to admit for the opponent that this is indeed the case. And then you can open to him another point of view, from which his opinion looks wrong.

This will satisfy the interlocutor. He will begin to think that he was right, he simply could not see all sides of the issue. Admitting this will not be as offensive as a mistake. It is natural for a person not to see everything at once and it is natural to believe in what he sees, because the senses do not lie to us.

It is easier to convince people not by imposed arguments, but by those to which they come themselves.

Simply put, Pascal suggests looking for those angles from which the interlocutor's opinion looks true. And in order to convince opponents, you need to help them look for new viewing angles.

Arthur Markman, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, agrees with Pascal. “To help the other person change their beliefs, you must first weaken their defenses and prevent them from standing their ground,” says Markman.

If I begin to say right away that you are wrong, you will not have the slightest desire to admit it. But if I start with the words: “Yes, you have logical arguments, I see the meaning in them,” then I will give you a reason to speak with me on equal terms. This will allow me to disagree with your position in a way that allows both sides to cooperate.

Arthur Markman

“When I have my own opinion, I feel like the owner. And to accept someone else's idea is the same as to say: "I submit to you as the owner of this opinion." Not everyone will go for it,”says Markman.