Timely Tip
Dialogue or debate…why does it matter?
“Truth seeking is a joint endeavor in which we actively pool our collective wisdom. The truth of how to live together can, Arendt argued, be gained only by representing reality form a variety of perspectives.” (D. Yankelovitch)
Dialogue is often confused with discussion or debate but it serves a very different purpose. Dialogue is for building understanding and creating a shared context or meaning, not for making decisions, solving problems or advocating for particular ideas. Difficulties ensue when the wrong process is engaged to achieve the intended outcomes.
Some guidelines for dialogue in its most basic form:
- We talk about what's really important to us.
- We really listen to each other. We see how thoroughly we can understand each other's views and experience.
- We say what's true for us without making each other wrong.
- We see what we can learn together by exploring things together.
- We make sure everyone has a chance to speak.
Other resources: