Rapoport's Rules: Ethical Debate

Rapoport’s Rules by way of Daniel Dennett

Ever notice how some ideas keep popping up in your head? Even years after you heard them? In 2016, I listened to Free Will Revisited, A Conversation with Daniel Dennett. Honestly I got lost for a good amount of the discussion—fairly esoteric discussion of the “illusion of free will,” determinism and other topics.

During the conversation, Dennett commented on his fondness of Anatol Rapoport’s ‘rules’ during debate. While it’s not always top of mind, it’s a wonderfully eloquent framework for debate (Popova 2014):

1. You should attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”
2. You should list any points of agreement (especially if they are not matters of general or widespread agreement).
3. You should mention anything you have learned from your target.
4. Only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.

The first ‘rule’ is always what pops into my head. It’s a civil, generous take on debate. It emphasizes listening, true understanding and ultimately adding value to someones idea.

Anatol Rapoport was an interesting guy (Wikipedia contributors 2021)

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