The assumption of good faith is what allows a group to get stronger when its members debate.

· Bits and Bobs 6/22/26
  • The assumption of good faith is what allows a group to get stronger when its members debate.
    • If you don't have it, then debate tears the group apart.
      • Every disagreement is taken as more evidence of what the other member is fundamentally missing.
    • If you do have it, then debate makes you stronger.
      • Every disagreement is taken as something the other person sees that you don't yet, but could.
    • The assumption of good faith is ultimately an assumption that the other members also care about the same abstract ends for the group that you do.
    • Low-trust societies don't have this, and it tears them apart.