[vonmoltke]

> But would you still feel the way if a family member was killed in an accident where their human-controlled car was rear-ended by a Tesla?

I don't have a dog in this fight, but appeals to emotion in order to drive irrational thinking do not make for constructive debate.

[rchaud]

> appeals to emotion in order to drive irrational thinking do not make for constructive debate.

In a perfect world, sure. Real world, you will never have an inherently emotional situation (road safety) where the only voices heard are those of completely detached individuals.

As humans, we have to figure out ways to connect with them, and empathize with what they're feeling. Simply dismissing their concerns as driven by emotion isn't a winning strategy.

[vonmoltke]

Understanding the emotional reactions of people to situations is important. "How would you feel if"-type statements do not do that. They do, and are often intended to, shut down conversation instead of foster it.

[benj111]

I disagree.

The gp said they're a "Willing guinea pig".

The parent pointed out it isn't just their lives on the line, but others, potentially including their family.

That isn't irrational at all. Or an appeal to emotion.