The willingness to think critically about most issues is foundational to a thriving democracy, or a thriving society of any political type. The ability to disambiguate arguments, both our own and those of our political adversaries, is critical to actually achieving meaningful forward momentum as a society, to achieve the goal of progressive transformation. Absent this skill set, we’re talking only to like minded persons who, by themselves, cannot will such change into being.The last decade, the decade representing the hegemony of social media, amply demonstrates the consequences of our societal failure to challenge each other’s ideas and, most importantly, those of ourselves and people who share our information silos.
Challenge Ideas, Not Persons: Thorough disquisition of ideas, rather than insults to persons, is the order of the day. Some of your most tightly held beliefs could be challenged but you’re personally safe. Just don’t confuse the 2
Aggressive Moderation: Since we hit controversial topics, tight moderation will occur frequently. This may include tight stages or speaking time limits.
Watch the Tone: We don’t seek to tone police but clearly hostile tones, even directed at ideas, tend to raise the temperature of a room and impede thorough discourse. So please be aware so we don’t have to police you