How to discuss politics with friends, v2

My good friends Royal Winchester, Rob Lefferts and I like to discuss big things. We realized we avoided topics, mostly political, for being too polarizing. But we discussed this, and came up with one set of rules for discussing politics with friends (v1).

Over time we revised it and improved it. Here's version 2:

What is the actual question being discussed? We often stumble into political discussions, seeded by one fact or recent news. As the discussion gets rolling, there are different perspectives on what the actual question being discussed is. Taking a moment to restate the question, or issue, clarifies for everyone exactly what the discussion is about. It sounds silly, but asking "what are we arguing about?" forces everyone to more clearly state their position, or what they think is the core point of disagreement, which can only elevate the quality of discourse.
What do you actually know? We hear factoids third hand and draw large conclusions supporting our pet theories. We rarely read the studies mentioned in the news, or examine the sources of articles we read online as the concept of confirmation bias, where we cherry pick facts we like and call it research, is a human failing. This means we rarely have the depth of understanding to match our emotions. Poking at our sources and recognizing how many assumptions are being made, or both sides, disarms conversations. It's easy to misconstrue facts or manipulate data and having volumes of it means nothing, as both sides have ample ammunition.
Can you effectively argue the opposing point-of-view? We forget that an argument is just a tool. In any complex issue, there are valid points on all sides. If you can't effectively argue the other side's point of view, you can't claim to have seriously considered your own position, as you've never truly evaluated any alternative (or haven't done it in years). Switching sides in a debate is a fantastic exercise: it forces you to use more intelligence and critical thinking than defending the same view year after year ever could.
What would convince you that you are wrong? If you can't imagine any possible way to have a different opinion, then you are not willing to think, and you probably shouldn't be talking about whatever it is. Not being willing to think makes you boring to talk with. If you can't imagine the world being any other way, then you are stuck in your own belief and likely confuse stroking your old well worn thoughts above having to think up new ones.
Why do you believe what you believe? We assume we have great reasons for our opinions. This sometimes is not true. Maybe you believe what you believe because your parents did? That's not a logical basis for believing anything, as it doesn't involve any of your own thinking. It's ok to believe in it anyway, but understanding why you believe will change the way you talk/defend/promote those beliefs.
Why are you interested in having a discussion about it? Is the goal to explore ideas and learn, or to compete?
What are you going to do about it? Assuming you're right, and passionate about your views, why do you think discussing it with a friend will change anything? There are many ways to support political causes and campaigns, and investing your energy there will likely be more satisfying and have more of an impact. If you're not willing to put your own energy behind something you claim to believe in, why should anyone else take your ideas seriously? We pretend so much is at stake in our position, but most of the time we don't care enough to take action. Yelling at a friend is a very unproductive way to support your own beliefs.

 

Related posts:
How to discuss politics with friends, version 1