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

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