‘Rhetoric’ has a bad rap – but some of the original rhetoricians’ techniques can actually help foster productive conversations.
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Ryan Leack, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Ancient Greek philosophers despised the Sophists’ rhetoric because it searched for relative truth, not absolutes. But learning how to do that thoughtfully can help constructive debates.
Sure, you can try to force people to agree with you – but respectful persuasion is something else.
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We’ve all heard an exasperated “do your research!” from people who want to persuade us to accept their claim or point of view. The problem is it’s not likely to convince anyone.
Benjamin Franklin learned over his lifetime how to be humble and open when he talked to and with people.
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Talking with people who hold different political views doesn’t have to be an exercise in futile rage. Here are some tips to help you peacefully and fruitfully discuss spicy topics.
Without uttering a word, actor Chris Pratt found himself at the center of a Twitter firestorm.
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When we argue, it’s far too easy to mistreat others. This is why it’s important to follow certain norms of argument, remain open-minded and remember what’s morally at stake.
Philosophy doesn’t just improve children’s grades, it helps them make meaning of their place in the world.
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Teaching children philosophy can help improve academic results. But the main reason it should be used in schools is it allows children a space to make sense of the world, and meaning in their lives.
How partisans argue tells a lot about how the public sees democracy.
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US history is filled with instances where one partisan side charges that the other side’s positions will lead to national ruin. Now, both sides accuse the other of betraying their country.
Psychology research suggests a new tool for your ‘disagreement toolbox.’
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Research suggests people intuitively draw a distinction between what is known and what is believed. Recognizing the difference can help in ideological disagreements.
We need to rethink how we frame discourse about Chinese students who speak out at universities – we seem to have forgotten that argument is a normal part of university study.
Don’t lay the table for a fight.
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Controversial arguments and ideas should be listened to and open to public scrutiny. Only then can we expose those ideas found wanting and lacking any credibility.
South Africa needs to build a mental infrastructure that will allow people to individually and collectively engage in a bold, courageous and trutfhul dialogue.