Stratagem 18
Original German
Merken wir daß der Gegner eine Argumentation ergriffen hat, mit der er uns schlagen wird; so müssen wir es nicht dahin kommen lassen, ihn solche nicht zu Ende führen lassen, sondern bei Zeiten den Gang der Disputation unterbrechen, abspringen oder ablenken, und auf andre Sätze führen: kurz eine mutatio controversiae zu Wege bringen. [1]
1 [Daneben am Rand der späte Zusatz:] Hiezu Kunstgriff 29.
Musean translation
Machine-assisted, directly from Deussen’s German edition (1923).
If we notice that the opponent has taken up an argument with which he will defeat us, we must not let it come to that or allow him to carry it through. Instead, interrupt the course of the dispute in good time, break off or divert it, and lead it toward other propositions: in short, bring about a change in the point at issue.1
1 [The late addition beside this in the margin:] For this, stratagem 29.
Plain English translation
Machine-assisted, independently translated directly from Deussen’s German edition (1923).
If the opponent has found an argument that will defeat us, we must prevent that outcome and stop them from finishing it. Interrupt the debate in time. Break away or change its direction and lead it to other statements. In short, change the question being argued about.1
1 [Later addition beside this in the margin:] See trick 29 on this.
About this section
Stratagem 18 is part of The Art of Being Right by Arthur Schopenhauer. This page sets the German original beside 2 direct-source translations, so any line can be checked against the source. It is section 23 of 43 in the work, which is kept in the European tradition.
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