(2017-09-15, 09:20 PM)Obiwan Wrote: I guess when I suspect that a person genuinely isn't interested in looking at a topic with an open mind, it's time to move on for me. I am always happy to discuss subjects of interest to me on the basis of shared research or understanding, or even genuine ignorance but from time to time I encounter someone who just doesnt think about things in the same way I do and there's not much point in spending a lot of time battling it out. If I can, I try to look at it from their perspective which is sometimes a good way to test one's own position.
Yes, arguing a case with someone can be a good way of testing one's position, and can lead to new insights, even if the person you're arguing with is unreasonable. However, if the person is being slippery and trying to avoid the issues rather than argue them, it can be more frustrating than productive.