Re: Debate and Dialogue

[thansen@moscow.com]

Greetings Visionaires -

I agree with Ms. Huskey 100%.  At various times I was interested in 
participating in the current "discussion".  However, I overcame this urge as I 
realized that numerous earlier "discussions" were not characteristic of 
constructive criticism, merely immature ridicule.

We can learn from each other.  The elementary purpose of this listserve is to 
share, not "one upmanship".

Take care,

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

> As I slowly recover from a surprise bout of strep throat, I see that the 
> list is heating up again--and in a rather predictable and discouraging way.  
> The same accusations, the same rhetorical questions, the verbal flourishing 
> and philosophical sparring . . . even some paragraphs and posts are being 
> recycled.
> 
> At the risk of seeming really naive, may I suggest that we consider trying 
> something different?  Could we move away from debate toward dialogue?
> 
> The difference between the two has been summarized this way by Daniel 
> Yankelovitch:
> 
> In debate, we assume that there is a right anwer--ours.  In dialogue, we 
> assume that many people have pieces of the answer and that we can craft a 
> solution together.
> 
> In debate, we are combative; in dialogue, we are collaborative.
> 
> In debate, we listen to find flaws and weaknesses; in dialogue we listen to 
> understand, to find meaning and potential agreement.
> 
> In debate, we defend our own views against others'; in dialogue, we see that 
> others have ideas that can improve our own.
> 
> In debate, we search for flaws in others' positions; in dialogue, we search 
> for strengths and value in others' positions.
> 
> Dialogue is also different from discussion, in that it requires that 
> participants meet each other as equals, in the absence of coercive 
> influences, that we listen to one another with unreserved empathy, and we 
> bring assumptions into the open--our own and each others'.
> 
> So let me begin by saying that like Doug Jones, I value honesty in public 
> associations and groups, and in individuals.  Can you help me understand, 
> Doug, why the Moscow Civic Association has raised your hackles--to the 
> extent that you would compare it to a Nazi organization in 1936?  You 
> mentioned (or maybe it was Doug Wilson) that non-egalitarian organizations 
> such as your church often suffer when progressive movements gain power.  Is 
> that a potential concern?  My assumption is that there are enough shared 
> community concerns among even such divergent organizations that we might 
> find common ground, and room to differ, without substantially harming each 
> other.  Is that an assumption we share?
> 
> Casting my bread on the waters,
> 
> Melynda Huskey
> 
> 
> 
> 
> "The things that make us happy make us wise."  John Crowley
> 
> 
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