No. The situation is asymmetrical because I will use different behaviors than you. The fact that a rule benefits one of us while being symmetrical shows that the situation is asymmetrical. Eliminating areas from the realm of discussion (you can’t discuss the economic impact of the proposal) is likely to be a symmetrical rule which illustrates a difference between the debaters.
Other rules could simply apply equally but be targeted: For example, the rule could be that both debaters have poor lighting, no access to makeup, and will have their clothing crumpled, or know the subject of the questions but not their phrasing or order. The first set would favor the person who was less likely to convince people based on his appearance, while the last would favor the one who could think faster and be perceived as better prepared.
Then there are rules which are clearly biased, and only appear to apply equally: ‘Only brown-eyed people may talk’. I don’t think those were ever in serious discussion, and I only mention them to dismiss them.
No. The situation is asymmetrical because I will use different behaviors than you. The fact that a rule benefits one of us while being symmetrical shows that the situation is asymmetrical. Eliminating areas from the realm of discussion (you can’t discuss the economic impact of the proposal) is likely to be a symmetrical rule which illustrates a difference between the debaters.
Other rules could simply apply equally but be targeted: For example, the rule could be that both debaters have poor lighting, no access to makeup, and will have their clothing crumpled, or know the subject of the questions but not their phrasing or order. The first set would favor the person who was less likely to convince people based on his appearance, while the last would favor the one who could think faster and be perceived as better prepared.
Then there are rules which are clearly biased, and only appear to apply equally: ‘Only brown-eyed people may talk’. I don’t think those were ever in serious discussion, and I only mention them to dismiss them.