Final answer:
Carl's statement suggests a preference for his established beliefs over newly acknowledged plausible positions, indicating a hardening of his stance which can potentially impede the dialectical process aimed at conflict resolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carl's statement indicates that he is hardening his position.' This conclusion can be drawn based on the given context where an individual is showing a preference for personally held beliefs despite being aware of other perspectives or positions that could be more defensible.
An explanation to understand this concept further can be centered around the dialectical process. The dialectic is a method of exchanging ideas to discover truth and often involves debating competing views including those one may not support. The intent is to refine and adapt moral and ethical principles over time through this process, distinguishing stronger arguments from the weaker ones.
It seems Carl is resistant to this give-and-take nature of dialectics, as evidenced by his inclination to cling to his initial position, reflective of personal and social conditioning, despite acknowledging the existence of other viable perspectives. Such a stance often hinders the potential for resolution and progress inherent in the dialectical method.