The Science of Arguments and Compromise

Don't you all simply hate politics? Unfortunately, the fundamental flaw in politics pervades any and all human interaction. It is that flaw of having imperfect information when attempting to compromise.

Let me give you a demonstration of what I mean. If you know that the end result of any discussion you have is a compromise, what is the logical course of action? Let's say I wanted something to be 5, and my friend wanted it to be 3. Logically, a good compromise would be in the middle at 4. However, I know that compromise will be the final solution, so it is quite easy for me to simply tell my friend that the number I actually would like is 7. Now, the obvious compromise between 3 and 7 is 5! Of course, my friend isn't stupid, so he too will use this logic. Before you know it, we both keep choosing a number further away from where we actually stand.

This is how Democrats and Republicans interact. Whether it is discussing global warming, how to deal with iran, abortion, gay rights, or anything else. No one in their right mind believes half of the crap these people say. They just have to make their views extreme in order to get a more favorable compromise.

It is akin to haggling at a store. If you want that shiny new laser pointer for only $100, but the manager has it listed for $120, you don't walk in and say that you will only pay $100 for it. If you do this, he'll tell you he can only let it go for $110 at the least. But if you walk in and say you want it for $80, then he might let you have it for $100.

Notice, as two individuals, you each choose a just barely reasonable starting point, and the move to the obvious compromise.

The problem with this interaction is that our politicians never do reach that compromise stage. Each new politician that comes in just has a more extreme view and agenda in hopes that if they do compromise, their extremism will a better deal than their predecessors. The group mentality that allows newcomers to express their views after other have already put their views forward continually ensures the increasing extremism of individuals views.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for people being assholes. The simple fact is that every individual has it in their interest to take a stance slightly more extreme than their actually viewpoint.