Bemusing quote from TFA: "I agree that in-person debates are confrontational and bad for truth-seeking. But I didn't propose a debate in order to seek truth. I proposed it because, under California Penal Code ยง 415(1), it's illegal for me to challenge you to a duel. I think your public writing on this topic has been dishonorable. Out of obligation, I will respond to the meaty arguments that you have set out for me. But what would be viscerally satisfying would be to make you get up on a stage where I read your own words to you in real time and ask 'Really? Really?' after each sentence. Then I could watch you squirm as you try to square your output with your status as one of America's top public intellectuals."
Bemusing quote from TFA: "I agree that in-person debates are confrontational and bad for truth-seeking. But I didn't propose a debate in order to seek truth. I proposed it because, under California Penal Code ยง 415(1), it's illegal for me to challenge you to a duel. I think your public writing on this topic has been dishonorable. Out of obligation, I will respond to the meaty arguments that you have set out for me. But what would be viscerally satisfying would be to make you get up on a stage where I read your own words to you in real time and ask 'Really? Really?' after each sentence. Then I could watch you squirm as you try to square your output with your status as one of America's top public intellectuals."