Play Devil's Advocate
When someone plays Devil’s Advocate, it means they take on a different viewpoint or argument, even if they don’t necessarily agree with it. It’s like pretending to be the “devil’s advocate” or the opposing side in a discussion or debate. The purpose is to challenge the prevailing viewpoint and stimulate critical thinking by presenting alternative arguments or perspectives.
Playing Devil’s Advocate can be helpful in many situations. It allows you to test the strength of your own arguments, uncover potential flaws or weaknesses, and promote a more well-rounded discussion. It’s a way to explore different ideas and challenge assumptions. For example, let’s say you’re discussing a new policy at work. Someone might play Devil’s Advocate by presenting potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of the policy. This can help the team think through the decision more thoroughly and consider all possible outcomes. It's Important to note that playing Devil’s Advocate doesn’t mean someone actually believes or supports the opposing viewpoint. They’re just presenting it for the sake of discussion and critical thinking.