The Art of Listening: How Philosophy Might Help Us Navigate Difficult Dialogues 32nd Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly May 2019 Brian J. Collins Assistant Professor of Philosophy Founder & Director of SoCal Philosophy Academy

Theme & Goal

Theme & Goal

Acknowledgment of the Difficulty! Process oriented Skill & character focused (practice and habit) Must actively work against automatic responses Life-long learning! Work/life balance – especially difficult if you see your “work” as vocational

Outline Introduction The Practice (and Practicality) of Philosophy How Philosophy Might Help Us Become Better Listeners and Navigate Difficult Dialogues Questions / Discussion

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 After graduating from St. Olaf College in 2006 (Philosophy & Psychology) I accepted an offer from Teach For America, a nonprofit whose mission it is to close the educational achievement gap between affluent and underprivileged students in the United States. I was placed in Los Angeles, CA, as a middle school math and science teacher and taught for three years - during which time I came to realize how important critical thinking skills are for developing students. This was illuminated by the lack of critical thinking education that was being taught in the ‘No Child Left Behind’ era of standardized testing. I also saw how these problems in education were symptoms of larger systemic problems in policy and government. Reflecting on his own education, I saw how philosophy held a unique position in which to use, encourage, and implement critical thinking into public life and discourse.  Consequently, I decided to pursue an advanced degree in philosophy, but for a much different reason than most people do:  for its practical applicability. While most see philosophy as a purely academic field, far removed from the daily concerns and issues of everyday life, Brian believes it holds a unique power to help facilitate critical thinking and communication in practical matters such as education, public policy, and public dialogue generally. He is currently working on completing his PhD with a concentration on ethics (both theoretical and applied) and political philosophy. More specifically, his dissertation focuses on examining and developing an account of ‘political obligation’ (i.e. examining and developing an account of what citizens owe to their political communities and what it is that grounds these obligations).

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 Skills: being open to WONDER HUMILITY Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability

The Practice & Practicality of Philosophy Analogous to the scientific method/process of investigation

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 Skills: being open to WONDER HUMILITY Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability

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”) Basic Practices for Active Listening Be present and attentive – practice presence Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Reflect - mirror what is being said Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap and clarify Invite further dialogue Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

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 Basic Practices for Active Listening Be present and attentive – practice presence Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Reflect - mirror what is being said Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap and clarify Invite further dialogue Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

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) Skills: being open to WONDER HUMILITY Creative and critical thinking Collaboration Dialogue/communication Ability to express one’s thoughts/ideas/worries/etc. Charitability Basic Practices for Active Listening Be present and attentive – practice presence Acknowledge – need not agree, but understand Reflect - mirror what is being said Show humility – don’t seek to be right Summarize, recap and clarify Invite further dialogue Assumptions are barriers to listening and civil discourse.

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

@SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy 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 Preview the website and the social media pages