Sir, – In light of calls for calm and rational debate about matters of public controversy, perhaps we should discuss what guidelines might contribute to such an outcome. I would like to suggest three.
Many years ago, a respected colleague and mentor of mine in Trinity College advised that you should always avoid argument directed at your opponent’s motivation for the simple reason that we can never know with certainty what motivates another person.
Instead you should engage with your opponent’s arguments at face value.
From an American colleague, I learnt you should always engage with the strongest argument advanced by your opponent against your position.
Finally, I remember being struck by a statement made by Nelson Mandela shortly after his release from prison to the effect that you should always ensure that your opponent withdraws from any engagement with their respect and dignity intact. – Yours, etc,
GERRY WHYTE
Law School, Trinity College
Dublin, Dublin 2.