You should say something like “Now that we can agree on x, let’s discuss y.” (Given that agreeingt on y is dependent on a prior agreement about x.) Getting someone to agree with you is not the end of the conversation, it is the beginning. Thanking them for agreeing with you makes it seem like all matters are settled and now you may peacefully part ways.
Also, I disagree that it is intrinsically rational or polite or part of some gentlemen’s agreement to thank someone when they concede your point.
Ok, sure. I am following your criticism, I think. In a conversation I expect to be temporarily conceding points and suspending disbelief, etc. I don’t plan on thanking them every step of the way while we build toward a fully formed argument. I plan on thanking them at the end, when they feel like the ultimate outcome of our discussion has led them to change their mind on the topic under debate. The feeling of changing your mind on something is pretty uncomfortable, and I sometimes feel like the guy who talked me into it owes me big. This is purely an emotional, non-rational of thing. It’s following that sensation that led me to ask the question if we should thank people for updating.
“The gentlemen’s agreement of rationality” was a metaphor I was using to describe the way I feel when I’m talking to somebody else who understands what it is like to know that there is a truth out there which we are both trying to find. It contrasts the butting-of-heads you’ll find when you are just arguing with someone.
Would you please explain further why it is not rational to thank someone for becoming less wrong?
You should say something like “Now that we can agree on x, let’s discuss y.” (Given that agreeingt on y is dependent on a prior agreement about x.) Getting someone to agree with you is not the end of the conversation, it is the beginning. Thanking them for agreeing with you makes it seem like all matters are settled and now you may peacefully part ways.
Also, I disagree that it is intrinsically rational or polite or part of some gentlemen’s agreement to thank someone when they concede your point.
Ok, sure. I am following your criticism, I think. In a conversation I expect to be temporarily conceding points and suspending disbelief, etc. I don’t plan on thanking them every step of the way while we build toward a fully formed argument. I plan on thanking them at the end, when they feel like the ultimate outcome of our discussion has led them to change their mind on the topic under debate. The feeling of changing your mind on something is pretty uncomfortable, and I sometimes feel like the guy who talked me into it owes me big. This is purely an emotional, non-rational of thing. It’s following that sensation that led me to ask the question if we should thank people for updating.
“The gentlemen’s agreement of rationality” was a metaphor I was using to describe the way I feel when I’m talking to somebody else who understands what it is like to know that there is a truth out there which we are both trying to find. It contrasts the butting-of-heads you’ll find when you are just arguing with someone.
Would you please explain further why it is not rational to thank someone for becoming less wrong?