Erisology

When we argue with someone but we're not able to articulate our arguments well, you can try by asking the other person what exactly they believe in because the act of explaining dilutes extreme views.

Having Difficulty in Articulating Your Arguments

The moral foundations theory was proposed by a social psychologist named Jonathan Haidt where he suggests that our moral 'taste buds' exist in six major areas: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty.From what we've learned from a study done in 2017, liberty and fairness are important to anyone regardless of their political stance, so you can try to reframe your argument according to your opponent's beliefs.

Exercising Moral Foundations Theory

An observation was made by the researchers from the University of British Columbia and what they found was that the more time we spend looking at a speaker's eyes, the less persuaded we become with our argument. Should victory be your goal, avoid eye contacts at all costs and you might just achieve it.

Avoid Eye Contact When Arguing

Science can definitely help here, thanks to&nbsp;‘erisology’: the study of disagreements. For instance, ever had your mind go blank when asked to explain your side of an argument?&nbsp;A&nbsp;study in journal&nbsp;Psychological Science&nbsp;indicated&nbsp;that&nbsp;people who claim to know what they’re talking about often aren’t able to articulate their argument well, so begin by asking your opponent in detail what exactly they believe. The same study found that the act of explaining also dilutes extreme views, so this could really help your case.Didn’t work? Exercise moral foundations theory. Proposed by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, it suggests our moral ‘taste buds’&nbsp;exist in six major areas: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity and liberty.A 2017 study outlined that left-leaning folk prioritise care, while right-wingers favour loyalty, authority and sanctity. Liberty and fairness are important across the board, so try reframing your argument according to your opponent’s beliefs.What about eye contact? If you’re talking, avoid it. That’s the argument put forward by one University of British Columbia study that observed participants with opposing views state their cases on controversial issues. Using eye-tracking technology, the researchers found the more time participants spent looking at a speaker’s eyes, the less persuaded they were by their argument. In short: follow this rule, and only victory should be in your sights.Asked by: Sara Flynn, PortsmouthRead more:

If you’re bad at arguments, it’s time to delve into Erisology, the study of disagreements. Read on to find out about the psychology of quarrelling.

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Science can definitely help here, thanks to ‘erisology’: the study of disagreements. For instance, ever had your mind go blank when asked to explain your side of an argument? A study in journal Psychological Science indicated that people who claim to know what they’re talking about often aren’t able to articulate their argument well, so begin by asking your opponent in detail what exactly they believe. The same study found that the act of explaining also dilutes extreme views, so this could really help your case.

Didn’t work? Exercise moral foundations theory. Proposed by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, it suggests our moral ‘taste buds’ exist in six major areas: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity and liberty.

A 2017 study outlined that left-leaning folk prioritise care, while right-wingers favour loyalty, authority and sanctity. Liberty and fairness are important across the board, so try reframing your argument according to your opponent’s beliefs.

What about eye contact? If you’re talking, avoid it. That’s the argument put forward by one University of British Columbia study that observed participants with opposing views state their cases on controversial issues. Using eye-tracking technology, the researchers found the more time participants spent looking at a speaker’s eyes, the less persuaded they were by their argument. In short: follow this rule, and only victory should be in your sights.

Asked by: Sara Flynn, Portsmouth

How can I get better at arguments?

Erisology

Having Difficulty in Articulating Your Arguments

Exercising Moral Foundations Theory

Avoid Eye Contact When Arguing

Finley B.'s ideas are part of this journey:

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