1. 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

2. Theme & Goal

3. Theme & Goal

4. 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

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

6. 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).

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Additional Resources The Center for Council - www.centerforcouncil.org
Circle Ways –
Ways of Council –
Speaking Down Barriers –

14. @SoCalPhilosophy @socalphilosophyacademy
Thank you! Questions?
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