A simple answer would’ve prevented this whole sub-discussion.
It would have avoided the meta discussion—but that is the only part that was interesting or relevant to the thread. There is an important counterpoint to Eliezer’s “ask for examples” prescription. Just like demands of “Where is your evidence?” demands of the form “Give me some examples?” are often best left unanswered. They are powerful argument tactics regardless of whether they should be given the subject. The context, degree of mutual respect and expectations of flow of the conversation matter a lot when choosing whether or not to go along with the other person’s demand.
Yes, if not for the relevance to the topic at hand I would have averted the whole sub-discussion. Probably by simply ignoring the request, which is often the optimal response.
Just like demands of “Where is your evidence?” demands of the form “Give me some examples?” are often best left unanswered.
In usual practice, there are many useful techniques that don’t try to clarify the situation. But on this forum it’s also possible to actually answer with similar efficiency, even if not in an expected manner, for example “I believe absence of citable evidence is not a problem here” or “Not interesting enough for me to discuss further.” That would be an actual reason, out in the open.
I believe absence of citable evidence is not a problem here
I like that one and I expect I shall make use of it. Mind you I expect it would often result in much the same response to this one given how similar the message.
It would have avoided the meta discussion—but that is the only part that was interesting or relevant to the thread. There is an important counterpoint to Eliezer’s “ask for examples” prescription. Just like demands of “Where is your evidence?” demands of the form “Give me some examples?” are often best left unanswered. They are powerful argument tactics regardless of whether they should be given the subject. The context, degree of mutual respect and expectations of flow of the conversation matter a lot when choosing whether or not to go along with the other person’s demand.
Yes, if not for the relevance to the topic at hand I would have averted the whole sub-discussion. Probably by simply ignoring the request, which is often the optimal response.
In usual practice, there are many useful techniques that don’t try to clarify the situation. But on this forum it’s also possible to actually answer with similar efficiency, even if not in an expected manner, for example “I believe absence of citable evidence is not a problem here” or “Not interesting enough for me to discuss further.” That would be an actual reason, out in the open.
I like that one and I expect I shall make use of it. Mind you I expect it would often result in much the same response to this one given how similar the message.