If you are debating with someone, and you come to realize that they are far more intelligent than you and far better informed on the topic, does that impact your belief that you are right?

Watching heated discussions here has been informative, highlighting interesting differences in people’s behavior. It’s a study in human nature. Some seem to yield and consider the other side when confronted with an argument that’s solid and persuasively presented. Others tend to just dig in their heels and shift from debating issues to ad hominem attacks against the person they are debating, obfuscation, and the whole host of logical fallacies that let them stay happily misinformed. It’s the old “Your [sic] stupid.” rejoinder that effectively ends any meaningful debate. How do you make sure you avoid the “dig in your heels” behavior and ensure you remain open to new ideas that someone else has clearly devoted serious thought to? How do you balance learning when you are misinformed with maintaining a comfortable worldview you’ve come to embrace over time?