Understanding the other case
He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.
John Stuart Mill
On Liberty · Chapter II, “Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion”
Original English. 1859. Original English.
A position can feel convincing because its strongest objections have never been considered seriously. Mill argues that understanding a case includes understanding what can be said against it. This is more demanding than collecting an opponent's weakest remarks. It means finding the version an informed opponent would recognize as fair. Doing so does not require treating every claim as equally credible or remaining undecided forever. Evidence still matters. But a conclusion reached after facing its difficulties is different from one protected from them. Before defending a decision today, it may help to name the strongest reason a thoughtful person might resist it.
A question for today
Can you state the best objection to a view you hold?
