“[T]he politically correct are above the rules of ordinary civility, once they have identified you as an unbeliever in their religion.”
Orson Scott Card
The rules of civil discourse are a set of guidelines for respectful and productive communication. They are especially important in situations where people have different viewpoints or where emotions are running high.
Some common rules of civil discourse include:
Be respectful. This means listening to others with an open mind, even if you disagree with them. It also means avoiding personal attacks and insults.
Be honest. This means being truthful in your statements and avoiding deception. It also means being transparent about your own biases and motivations.
Be open to new ideas. This means being willing to consider different viewpoints, even if they challenge your own beliefs. It also means being willing to change your mind if presented with new evidence.
Be civil. This means avoiding inflammatory language and disruptive behavior. It also means being willing to compromise and find common ground.
Here are some additional tips for civil discourse:
Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Try to understand their perspective, even if you disagree with it.
Ask clarifying questions. This will help you to better understand the other person’s point of view and to identify any areas of agreement.
Be respectful of different opinions. Even if you disagree with someone, you can still respect their right to their own opinion.
Avoid personal attacks and insults. This will only make the conversation more difficult and less productive.
Focus on the issues, not the people. When you are having a disagreement, it is important to focus on the issues at hand, rather than attacking the other person.
Be willing to compromise. It is unlikely that you will always get everything you want in a disagreement.
Be willing to compromise and find common ground.
Civil discourse is essential for a healthy democracy and for a productive society.
By following the rules of civil discourse, we can create a space where people with different viewpoints can come together and have constructive conversations.
How to Post Comments
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“I resolve to:
- Try and reach a shared understanding rather than ‘win the argument’.
- Clarify with others to make sure I genuinely understand their perspective.
- Endeavor to avoid committing logical fallacies in support of my claims.
- Attempt to account for my own biases and try to be intellectually humble.
- Try to be reasonable, rational, and create coherent arguments.
- Refrain from personal attacks, sarcasm, and mean-spiritedness.
- Use the ‘Principle of Charity’ to see the merits of others’ points of view in the best light.
- Remain genuinely receptive to changing my mind if presented with compelling arguments or evidence.“