Indeed.

I did partly forgot about the confirmation bias that effects the human brain. When trying to make a decision we value arguments that agree with us more and in higher degree dismiss arguments that don't agree. So yeah, it's a mixed bag.

I believe though, that if a sceptic reads a sceptic article that is well counter-argued he's more likely to change opinion than if he had read a positive article. If they go "yeah! exactly!" when reading the article which is well counter-argued, then it has not been positive or counter-arguing in general -- it has counter-argued directly with the reader. When that happens many feel forced to reevaluate their opinions since their opinions were counter-argued.

As always, it's all about how it's done...

ihb

Read argumentation in its context!

In reply to Re^3: Perl 6 critique is a good thing by ihb
in thread Perl 6 critique is a good thing by Juerd

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