Sociable conversation loses its character when it pursues objective truth

Evidence

For conversation to remain satisfied with mere form it cannot allow any content to become significant in its own right. As soon as the discussion becomes objective, as soon as it makes the ascertainment of a truth its purpose (it may very well be its con- tent), it ceases to be sociable and thus becomes untrue to its own nature as much as if it degenerated into a serious quarrel. — Georg Simmel, The Sociology of Georg Simmel, 2253

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Erving Goffman’s frame analysis — interaction as a framed activity whose meaning is destroyed by breaking frame. — connects to: Conversational level sinks to the least refined participant present — Theodor W. Adorno, Minima Moralia: Reflections from…, 191; Maintaining social connection precedes exchanging accurate information in dialogue — Yves Citton, The Ecology of Attention, 254; Framing talk as fact-exchange makes political conversation feel intimidating and pointless. — Nina Eliasoph, Avoiding politics: how Americans…, 1013 (+1 more)