Tendency to go to what we
believe is right and marshal
arguments to support it
Federal Court Judge Michael Phelan, in his
recent ruling on access to medical
cannabis, criticized expert witnesses on both sides for their
“almost religious fervour” and for not
being open to consider evidence that
weakened their position.
Tendency to go to what we
believe is right and marshal
arguments to support it
Propose exploratory
conversations rather than debates or
trying to convince
Tendency to go to what we
believe is right and marshal
arguments to support it
Propose exploratory
conversations rather than debates or
trying to convince
We don’t have to oppose or accept other points of view
– instead, consider
Tendency to go to what we
believe is right and marshal
arguments to support it
Propose exploratory
conversations rather than debates or
trying to convince
Build dialogue
rather than debate –
practice in your family or
community
We don’t have to oppose or accept other points of view
– instead, consider
Dialogue is not rocket science
1. Be aware of our own ideas – reflect on them
2. Listen to each other’s ideas
3. Try to deepen our understanding of each other’s ideas
A number of states in the US have legalized cannabis use and adopted various measures to regulate use in their jurisdictions.
Now the Canadian government is committed to going in the same direction.
Imagine a discussion following a proposal on campus to allow cannabis use in residence.
Remember
1. Be aware of our own ideas – reflect on them
2. Listen to each other’s ideas
3. Try to deepen our understanding of each other’s ideas
4.
What have we learned
• What was your experience when putting yourself in the other’s position?
– How did it feel? – Was it comfortable/uncomfortable/ interesting/surprising?
• In what way did the experience affect you? Did it have any impact on you at all?
• Do you think that you have a better understanding of the other and their ideas now?
• How could this approach change a conversation on your campus?
Top Related