| When discussing complex topics such as philosophy, | | | | seem stronger by using more complex language. |
| skillful conversation becomes even more important. If | | | | However, you will have most productive conversation |
| conversationalists fail to use good technique, then they | | | | by having the least misunderstandings, which you can |
| will not communicate with each other effectively, and | | | | do by expressing yourself as clearly as possible. Using |
| the conversation will become unproductive. Let me | | | | concise, simple, and specific phrasing will usually help |
| suggest some ways to make and keep a | | | | you express yourself clearly. Rambling, |
| conversation productive when discussing philosophy. | | | | over-elaboration and the unnecessary use of "big |
| Listen - Most importantly, you need to listen as well as | | | | words" will make you less clear. Additionally, you can |
| you can to the other people in the discussion. Many | | | | express yourself most clearly when you match the |
| people talk too much and listen too little. Ironically, if you | | | | formality of your speech or writing to the formality of |
| talk too much, you will have a lot of trouble expressing | | | | the situation. In other words, use formal phrasing in a |
| yourself. If you listen well, you can express yourself | | | | formal situation and more informal phrasing in a more |
| better because you can tailor your response to what | | | | informal setting. |
| the person has already said. Additionally, if you listen to | | | | Speak Nicely and Politely - If the conversation turns |
| others intently, they will likely return the favor. If you do | | | | into a contest, or if any of the speakers feel angry or |
| not listen to them and just try to talk over them, then | | | | offended, it will greatly reduce the philosophical |
| they will likely do the same to you. | | | | productivity of the discussion. A discussion about |
| Ask Questions - Plato's dialogues show how Socrates | | | | philosophy can quickly degenerate into a name-calling, |
| used questions to have productive philosophical | | | | insult-throwing fight. The other person will listen to you |
| conversations with others. The Socratic Method can | | | | more if they feel more comfortable and respected. Do |
| come in great use in discussions of philosophy. Asking | | | | not just speak as nicely as you must in order to keep |
| questions will help you better understand the other | | | | the conversation philosophical; instead, speak as nicely, |
| speakers, and it will cause them to express their | | | | respectfully, and politely as you can. Avoid insults, |
| contentions more clearly to you. That will greatly | | | | name-calling, or offensiveness as much as possible. |
| reduce misunderstandings. Additionally, asking questions | | | | Also, especially if you disagree, try thanking the other |
| makes you seem genuinely interested in the other | | | | person for discussing the topic with you. |
| person's ideas. Making disagreeing statements, instead | | | | If you genuinely try to have a productive conversation, |
| of asking questions, may make the other person feel | | | | you almost always will. Most people do philosophy for |
| attacked and may make you seem preachy, both of | | | | fun out of interest, so why not try to have a |
| which will make the discussion less productive. | | | | productive conversation when discussing philosophy? |
| Speak Clearly - This may seem obvious, but many | | | | Whatever you do, good luck and have fun! |
| people instead try to show off or make their ideas | | | | |