How to argue with the interlocutor: Blaise Pascal about the art of persuasion

Participation in the dispute may seem pointless undertaking, as people hate to admit they were wrong. But to convince the interlocutor is still possible. For information on how to do this effectively, telling more great Blaise Pascal.

Who lived in the XVII century philosopher and scientist first of all remember the legendary bet - argument in favor of rationality of religious belief. This argument is the first fruit of the documented decision-making theory.

Apparently, a distinguished Frenchman was an expert in psychology. Gaining in popularity believed that Pascal described a very effective way to convince the other person. And he did it for hundreds of years before the techniques of persuasion began to study formally.

When we want to resolve the dispute in favor of his opponent and indicate on it wrong, it is important to know what angle he is looking at the cause of differences. Most likely, the position of the interlocutor with his opinion does seem to be correct. We need to recognize your opponent, that is indeed the case. And then you can open it a different point of view from which his opinion appears to be wrong.

instagram viewer

This will satisfy the interlocutor. He will think that I was right, just could not see all sides of an issue. To recognize this is not so offensive as an error. For a man naturally does not see everything at once, and naturally believe in what he sees, because our senses do not lie.

Easier to convince people not imposed on the arguments, and those to which they have come on their own.

Blaise Pascal

Simply put, Pascal offers a look for those angles from which the interlocutor looks true. And to persuade opponents need to help them find new viewing angles.

Arthur Markman (Arthur Markman), professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin (USA), agrees with Pascal. "To help the other party to change the belief, first of all you have to weaken its defenses and to prevent standing on his", - says Markman.

If I'm right to say that you are wrong, you will not have the slightest desire to admit it. But if I start with the words: "Yes, you have a logical argument, I see in them the meaning of" - I will give you an excuse to talk to me as an equal. This will allow me to disagree with your position in a way that allows the cooperation of both sides.

Arthur Markman

"When I have my own opinion, I feel like its owner. And take someone else's idea - it's the same thing as to say: "I submit to you as the owner of this opinion." Not everyone is on the go ", - says Markman.