Civil discourse

Members of the U.S. Supreme Court session in 2011 aptly described civil discourse as "robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest.

The implementation of civil discourse in educational settings, particularly in online and hybrid learning environments, has been shown to enhance students' ability to engage in meaningful and respectful discussions on controversial topics.

[2] highlights how structured online discussion threads, supported by clear rubrics and continuous feedback, can foster a deeper understanding and application of civil discourse among graduate students.

[11] The necessity to practice civil discourse has grown over the years as digital engagement has become a predominant means of communication, technology has created a more global environment and increased self-expression.

Different ways of practicing or understanding civil discourse can be in self-expression (art), the use of tolerance as intolerance (ethics), misinformation and disinformation (digital communication),[3] and in political and social issues.

These two uses are very distinct; and a great deal less exactness will serve in the one than in the other, as we shall see in what follows.One of the most influential works on civil discourse comes from John Stuart Mill in their 1859 essay titled "On Liberty".

'"[18] The Charles Koch Institute stated in 2018 that "Democracy presupposes that citizens are deeply engaged in the debates of our public life, and that good outcomes are reached by the airing of all arguments on the policy questions of the day, with the presumption that the most persuasive and well-reasoned will earn the support of a majority of voters.

[20] In April 2022, nursing educators Emily Gamm and Amy J. Barton said that "Civility generally involves behaviors such as looking for areas of agreement as a jumping off point for discussions about differences, listening beyond one's biases, and encouraging others to do the same".

They outline eight guidelines for academia to follow when teaching appropriate civil discourse through technology: (1) make a formal institutional commitment to supporting institutional pluralism; (2) recognize the educational value of open sharing and examination of diverse views; (3) recognize that online forms of expression are as important to student development as traditional oral and written expressions; (4) emphasize the importance of respect and civility; (5) emphasize the critical need for valid information, solid evidence and explicit information about sources; (6) spell out expected positive behaviors and sanctions for negative actions; (7) requires that personal identification be part of all communications and interactions; and (8) designate a clear locus of responsibility for monitoring online communications and interactions and for the strengthening of the educational uses of these emerging communication and technologies.

Civil discourse can present in different ways, typically a debate will take place between the positions being discussed, one supports and the other argues with relevant evidence and maintaining the respect to one another.

Participation may be cheap to assemble online, but it works better at Wikipedia because the site has a widely publicized set of norms and principles, which editors attempt to enforce within a framework that assumes goodwill.

[47] In addition, since Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing within information technology and social media, civil discourse must be maintained by ensuring these systems are accurately representing all communities and retain no bias.

Participants in civil discourse must learn about all sides of the issue at hand by respectfully listening to alternative interpretations, critically weighing the information's veracity, analyzing what they've heard, and being willing to alter their positions based on a convincing argument and evidence.

Andrea Leskes, writing in Liberal Education in 2013, gave a list of such rules, such as listening thoughtfully to what others say, seeking to understand the sources of disagreement and common ground, coming into the discussion willing to compromise, using verified information to support one's argument, and refraining from violence.

[58] More specifically, to partake in civil discourse effectively, Leskes suggests the following practices: However, as noted by Kirby Jarod, at times it is impossible to remain stoic during such debates as our responses are largely emotion based.

[72] Encouraging active listening, empathetic understanding, and critical thinking, civil discourse promotes an environment that fosters respectful and constructive exchanges among students and instructors, bringing together diverse ideas and perspectives.

Ultimately, the foundation of civil discourse equips students with the essential tools to actively contribute to democratic societies by encouraging a culture of dialogue, collaboration, and informed decision-making.

The introduction of new communication technologies, particularly social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, facilitate increased participation, connection, and interactivity, but they also bring challenges like the difficulty in perceiving tone and the potential for misinterpretation.

In summary, civil discourse is essential for scientific progress, enabling the free exchange of ideas, addressing epistemic injustices, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, and upholding ethical principles.

By promoting open communication, intellectual humility, and respect for diverse perspectives, civil discourse enhances the quality and impact of scientific research, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society.

[88] While personalization can be a great tool in helping us find the information we are seeking in a faster more efficient way, it can also have the potential to narrow our viewpoints in a phenomenon referred to as the "filter bubble".

Through the examination of diverse perspectives, Socratic circles serve as transformative spaces where students refine their critical thinking abilities, develop an understanding of complex issues, and learn how to use the essential tools necessary for effective communication in academic and real-world situations.

[93] Additionally, hermeneutical injustice obscures significant areas of social experience from collective understanding due to structural identity prejudice, thereby limiting the full participation of marginalized groups in civil discourse.

The definition of civil discourse requiring avoiding "open contempt" may disproportionately harm members of marginalized communities by undermining or distracting from the legitimacy of expressions of rage.

[96] Thomas Jefferson makes a similar argument in Virginia's Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, a precursor to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, where he said, "Truth is great and will prevail if left to herself.

But if you think about moral reasoning as a skill we humans evolved to further our social agendas—to justify our own actions and to defend the teams we belong to—then things will make a lot more sense.

[107] In Taiwan, civil society groups have implemented comprehensive media literacy programs to combat the spread of disinformation, especially in light of emerging threats from AI-generated content.

Effective strategies must consider the diverse ways in which disinformation impacts different communities and work towards empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to discern and challenge false information.

This environment of toleration will allow for real "intellectual disagreements" as opposed to disagree due to the color of one's skin, in the case of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Lewis' work and commitment to "good trouble" inspire generations to come, serving as an example for standing up against injustice, challenging oppressive systems, and creating a more equitable society.