I think it was evident that each was willing to take each others viewpoint into their own realm of dialogue without the thought of destroying the others perspective in assuming a medium of greater authority.
Michio seems quite comfortable with the conversation. I think you might be projecting your own horror that these two individuals might actually get along and have a civil dialogue.
Unless we can actually place ourselves in another's thoughts and experiences we all have our opinions about what others are thinking and saying, don't we...?

I was addicted to the Hokey Pokey, but then I turned myself around!!