"In previous posts, I discussed the origin and essence of liberal and conservative beliefs, focusing on the emotions that are the source of our political opinions. I offered a framework for understanding why we continue to disagree, not only about politics, but in other areas of life-in religion, about how to raise our children, and in every organization and institution. Ralph Waldo Emerson called this "the primal antagonism" of human social and political life."
"But listening is difficult, especially in politics. In most political discussions, we are not really listening; we have already formed a judgment or an opinion. We are waiting for an opportunity to present our arguments and defend our side, looking for weaknesses to attack, not truths to acknowledge. New York Times columnist Jessica Grose described this attitude, citing the work of Consensus Building Institute, as "rebuttal mind.""
Emotions underlie liberal and conservative beliefs and drive persistent disagreements across politics, religion, family life, and institutions. The dynamic resembles a primal antagonism in human social and political life. Constructive disagreement requires genuine listening rather than immediate rebuttal. A common default—'rebuttal mind'—causes people to form judgments early, wait to defend their side, and search for weaknesses instead of truths. Listening is difficult but possible, even in extreme circumstances. Eight principles of dialogue and reasoned argument aim to improve the quality of listening, help people with different values and opinions engage constructively, and increase the chance of finding common ground.
Read at Psychology Today
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