Synthesized answer
Dialogue is better than direct argument for points of doctrine that are very obvious but highly important, needing to be reinforced. In such cases, the novelty of the dialogue format can compensate for a trite subject, and the liveliness of conversation can help enforce the teaching. The variety of perspectives offered by different characters can make the subject engaging rather than tedious [1].
Furthermore, dialogue is well-suited for philosophical questions that are obscure and uncertain, where human reason cannot reach a definitive conclusion. In these situations, allowing for differing opinions can be a pleasant amusement, and the dialogue draws the reader into a sense of company and the pleasures of study and society [2]. The subject of Natural Religion is presented as an example that fits these criteria [2].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
arance of Author and Reader, he is apt to run into a worse inconvenience, and convey the image of Pedagogue and Pupil. Or, if he carries on the dispute in the natural spirit of good company, by throwing in a variety of topics, and preserving a proper balance among the speakers, he often loses so much time in preparations and transitions, that the reader will scarcely think himself compensated, by all the graces of dialogue, for the order, brevity, and precision, which are sacrificed to them. There are some subjects, however, to which dialogue-writing is peculiarly adapted, and where…
where the variety of lights, presented by various personages and characters, may appear neither tedious nor redundant. Any question of philosophy, on the other hand, which is so OBSCURE and UNCERTAIN, that human reason can reach no fixed determination with regard to it; if it should be treated at all, seems to lead us naturally into the style of dialogue and conversation. Reasonable men may be allowed to differ, where no one can reasonably be positive. Opposite sentiments, even without any decision, afford an agreeable amusement; and if the subject be curious and interesting, the book…
Produced by Col Choat. HTML version by Al Haines. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion by David Hume PAMPHILUS TO HERMIPPUS It has been remarked, my HERMIPPUS, that though the ancient philosophers conveyed most of their instruction in the form of dialogue, this method of composition has been little practised in later ages, and has seldom succeeded in the hands of those who have attempted it. Accurate and regular argument, indeed, such as is now expected of philosophical inquirers, naturally throws a man into the methodical and didactic manner; where he can…
ethod of bringing every one to a due sense of religion, is by just representations of the misery and wickedness of men. And for that purpose a talent of eloquence and strong imagery is more requisite than that of reasoning and argument. For is it necessary to prove what every one feels within himself? It is only necessary to make us feel it, if possible, more intimately and sensibly. The people, indeed, replied DEMEA, are sufficiently convinced of this great and melancholy truth. The miseries of life; the unhappiness of man; the general corruptions of our nature; the unsatisfactory…
er to encourage melancholy; as indeed mankind never have recourse to superior powers so readily as in that disposition. But as men have now learned to form principles, and to draw consequences, it is necessary to change the batteries, and to make use of such arguments as will endure at least some scrutiny and examination. This variation is the same (and from the same causes) with that which I formerly remarked with regard to Scepticism. Thus PHILO continued to the last his spirit of opposition, and his censure of established opinions. But I could observe that DEMEA did not at…