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I have never worked on interrogation; I have never seen an…

“I have never worked on interrogation; I have never seen an interrogation, and I have only a passing knowledge of the literature on interrogation. With that qualification, my opinion is that the point of interrogation is to get at the truth, not to get at what the interrogator wants to hear.” quote by Martin Seligman
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“I have never worked on interrogation; I have never seen an interrogation, and I have only a passing knowledge of the literature on interrogation. With that qualification, my opinion is that the point of interrogation is to get at the truth, not to get at what the interrogator wants to hear.”

Martin Seligman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Interrogation should aim to uncover factual truth rather than confirm the interrogator’s expectations.

In simple terms: Truth‑seeking over confirmation bias

Key Takeaway

Focus on objective facts

Themes

truth ethics power dynamics communication bias

Mood

critical analytical

Type

statement observation

When to use this quote

  • legal testimony
  • journalistic interview
  • academic research
  • police questioning

Key Concepts

interrogation epistemology authority

Practical Applications

  • improving investigative methods
  • training interviewers

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms ensure truthfulness?
  • How can bias be mitigated?
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