1.The Art of Listening: How Philosophy Might Help Us Navigate Difficult Dialogues
32nd Annual Pacifica Synod AssemblyMay 2019
Brian J. Collins
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Founder & Director of SoCal Philosophy Academy
2.Theme & Goal
3.Theme & Goal
4.Acknowledgment of the Difficulty!
Process oriented
Skill & character focused (practice and habit)
Must actively work against automatic responses
5.Outline
Introduction
The Practice (and Practicality) of Philosophy
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Questions / Discussion
6.Introduction
Grew up in the Midwest (western WI)
St. Olaf College (studied philosophy & psychology)
Teach For America (6th-8th grade math & science)
University of Iowa (MA & PhD)
California Lutheran University & SoCal Philosophy Academy
7.The Practice & Practicality of Philosophy
The term “philosophy” means, “love of wisdom”
Investigates the most fundamental questions we have as humans.
It is an activity in which fundamental truths (about oneself and how to live, the universe/world, relationships, etc.) are sought through investigation.
Another way of stating this: Philosophy is the process of developing and critically evaluating fundamental questions, ideas, concepts, theories, etc.
Helps develop skills that are applicable across ALL investigations
8.The Practice & Practicality of Philosophy
Analogous to the scientific method/process of investigation
9.Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Philosophy starts from a place of WONDER
Philosophy requires HUMILITY
Philosophy requires PATIENCE
10.Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Productive dialogue requires authentic speaking, and more importantly, LISTENING! (“speaking and listening from the heart”)
11.Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Authentic/Intentional Listening (“The Art of Listening”):
Assumptions are barriers
Be present and attentive – practice mindfulness
Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand
Show humility – don’t seek to be right
Summarize, recap, and clarify
Invite further dialogue
12.Philosophy & Difficult Dialogues
How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues
Constructive dialogue (“civil discourse”) must be facilitated by a common process (i.e., valuable and authentic communication about any topic can only happen after there is a process, acknowledgment, recognition, etc. of a process and common goal)
13.Additional Resources
The Center for Council - www.centerforcouncil.org
Circle Ways – www.circleways.org
Ways of Council – www.waysofcouncil.net
Speaking Down Barriers – www.speakdownbarriers.org
14.Thank you!Questions?
Follow SoCal Philosophy Academy’s activity on our website and connect with us on social media! www.callutheran.edu/philosophy-academy
@SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy