The first question to ask oneself is whether they are capable of entertaining real doubt about their beliefs, rather than operating from a position of certainty. The second question is whether they can articulate the evidence that would change their position or if their perspective is unvossifiable. The third question is whether they can effectively articulate their opponent's perspective in a way that they recognize, or if they are straw manning. The fourth question is whether they are attacking ideas or attacking the people who hold them. The fifth question is whether they are willing to cut off close relationships with people who disagree with them over relatively small points of contention. The sixth question is whether they are willing to use extraordinary means against people who disagree with them, such as forcing them out of their jobs or homes, using violence or threats of violence, or celebrating misfortune and tragedy.
Host Megan Phelps-Roper asks J.K. Rowling to respond to pushback from some of her critics. The two also discuss the difficulty of discernment—why it can be so hard to know what’s right.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.