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Respectful talk

Dr Maree Davies & Dr Patrick Girard

university of Auckland

Instead of focussing on the theoretical aspect of critical thinking, as is traditionally taught at higher levels, Respectful Talk targets simple but fundamental listening, talking and reasoning skills.

respectful talk

has three components:

Respect for reason

Respect for reason is the inclination to provide reasons to support a view (example: you are considering a vegetarian diet because of environmental reasons and animal welfare).

Respect for difference

Respect for difference is the ability to appreciate that others might have good reasons to hold different views (example: a balanced omnivorous diet with humane farming conditions is environmentally sustainable and morally defensible).

Respect for change.

Respect for change is the disposition to change one’s mind in light of reasons and evidence from an alternative perspective (example: adopting a new diet as a result of deliberation about what one believes is the best option).