PROJECT TITLE - The Art of Listening: How Philosophy Might Help Us Navigate Difficult Dialogues

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  • 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