Okay, but he’s clearly young. I don’t see how sending a low-status person to debate a high-status person could ever convince the adherents of the high-status person.
They are. But that’s also where Hans’ point is most important. Will the fact that what the student is saying is ‘obviously being right’ overcome the flair, status and woo of his opponent in influence on the audience? I’d be very surprised.
Okay, but he’s clearly young. I don’t see how sending a low-status person to debate a high-status person could ever convince the adherents of the high-status person.
I think the opinions of bystanders are more important.
They are. But that’s also where Hans’ point is most important. Will the fact that what the student is saying is ‘obviously being right’ overcome the flair, status and woo of his opponent in influence on the audience? I’d be very surprised.