"Let me be the devil's advovate" or something to that effect. I hear people say it alot, and don't really get it. I feel like an idiot!!
2006-07-14 05:46:43 · 10 answers · asked by voodoo_moonbaby43968 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
In common parlance, devil's advocate has come to mean a person who takes a position for the sake of argument (not necessarily believing in the argument); or who presents a counterargument for a position they do believe in, to another debater. This process can be used to test the quality of the original argument and identify weaknesses in its structure.
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2006-07-14 05:50:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An advocate is a person who takes your side on an issue. By playing the devil's advocate, you are taking the side of the "devil", or your opponent. By playing the devil's advocate, they are taking up the opposite position of what you are saying, and pointing out the flaws in your logic, even if they really agree with you.
2006-07-14 13:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically it means that the person is defending or taking sides with the devil. Kind of like being a devils 'henchman.'
2006-07-14 12:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means to take the opposing view in an argument, not so much because you actually believe or agree with that point of view, but as a means to aid the arguer in fleshing out their argument, make it more convincing.
2006-07-14 15:11:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it means that they are looking at the bad side of the situation and making you see both sides. Most of the time, it's good for someone to do that because then you consider the consequences of each and every possible situation.
2006-07-14 12:49:53 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply put, it means that a devils advocate is speaking for the devil.
2006-07-14 12:52:23 · answer #6 · answered by kekeke 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, advocate means some who supports so for someone to be the devil's advocate, means they're supporting the evil side of something or they just want to show you the bad side of something.
2006-07-14 12:52:27 · answer #7 · answered by islandgrl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hugh Jorgan's got it right. Defending the opposite view [only] for the sake of argument.
2006-07-14 13:37:24 · answer #8 · answered by dderat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that they are going to give you the real scoop on somwething that will NOT be good no matter how you look at it!!!
It will be the worst case scenario!!!
2006-07-14 12:50:45 · answer #9 · answered by Bob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its when you or someone goes against what someone is saying
2006-07-14 14:55:04 · answer #10 · answered by Gabriella M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋