Communicative Democracy Across Difference
From Internet: Knowledge and Community
This idea basically posits that sociological and ideological differences among people ought to be viewed as opportunities for constructive discourse, as resources rather than barriers. Looking for others who think exactly the same as you do doesn’t get you anywhere really, as far as expanding your mind goes.
When we listen to one another and absorb different points of view, it enriches our own thought much more than simply having what we already believe reaffirmed, and is ultimately capable of transforming our perceptions. This happens in three ways. First, by acknowledging the differences between myself and someone else, I recognize that mine is but one possible perspective. Second, having recognized this, I realize the right of others to prompt me to examine my own thoughts and beliefs. Third, everyone benefits; by paying attention to each other’s different points of view, we come away with a more detailed knowledge of society and stand a much better chance at being able to work together to solve problems.
Each one of us is but a piece of a puzzle and we need the perspectives of one another in order to achieve a well-rounded scope of the world.
