What are Rapoport's Rules?

The legendary social psychologist and game theorist Anatol Rapoport described how to compose a successful critical commentary. According to his beliefs, you need to follow 4 steps:

"First: 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.'

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

Third: You should mention anything you have learned from your target.

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

The idea behind following these 4 steps is that your opponent will transform into a more receptive audience for your criticism or dissent, which create a more advanced discussion. The goal is to be critical, but also charitable, rather than trying to conquer your opponent in a debate. There is a difference in trying to be right all of the time versus trying to understand and advance the collective understanding.

Try giving the four methods mentioned above a try the next time you are debating someone with different views. This could apply to all sorts of arguments. A lot of times you may find that people get angry simply because they are not being understood or truly listened to. If you try listening to what other's are saying, and they feel that they are being heard, then it will be easier for you to discuss your opinions and how you may see certain issues from a different perspective. If you both listen to each other and try to understand where each other is coming from, then you can more easily work together to find a happy middle ground.

Well that all is for now. Let me know if you have any luck trying Rapoport's Rules the next time you get into an educational debate with someone who has different views from yourself. If you have any tips please free to comment. Thanks for stopping by.

Link used as reference
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/03/28/daniel-dennett-rapoport-rules-criticism/