What do you call a person or the strategy where the speaker acts as the opponent to know the issue at hand better (as an opponent). For instance, a Vegan (person X) can argue with another Vegan, pretending as a non-vegan, his actual motive is to understand veganism better, he actually wants to consolidate his position as a vegan. This person X wants to clear all his doubts and questions answered about veganism, hence he acts as an opponent in the discussion. Is there any name for such a strategy or act?
6
-
2Devil's advocate?– AllanCommented Jul 31, 2021 at 14:17
-
Thanks a lot, I think you are right (I will accept the answer later).– TanvirCommented Jul 31, 2021 at 14:28
-
It depends upon the culture. Different cultures to this in their argumentation and have different terms for it.– Swami VishwanandaCommented Aug 1, 2021 at 5:33
-
can u explain a bit more plz– TanvirCommented Aug 1, 2021 at 5:50
-
I had a buddy with whom I was sharing a 3 and a half hour drive. Nice guy, personable and easy to get along with. To pass time, we decided to explore/debate. We chose abortion (this was 30 years ago, it has been debated to death since then). He offered me to choose sides... I chose pro-choice, and we debated the rest of the way there. He is also solidly pro-choice. That did not impede his ability to debate the opposite side. But I wouldn't say he was playing "devil's advocate"... that wouldn't describe his efforts well.– Alistair RiddochCommented Sep 30 at 4:33
|
Show 1 more comment
1 Answer
Devil's advocate.
From Dictionary.com: a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular cause for the sake of argument or to expose it to a thorough examination.
