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Discussion Tips

 Informed discussion in class is required for this course. Because many of the topics in this class will challenge and/or confuse you, most of you will feel uncomfortable talking in class. Please keep in mind that everyone else is experiencing a level of discomfort and confusion very close to yours. More importantly, I guarantee that informed participation will increase the likelihood that you will get better grades in class. Trying ideas out and responding to challenges is the best way to become better at philosophy. With this in mind…..

 

Do not wait to bring up a point in class. If you do, you will probably never speak.

 

Do come to class prepared. More productive class discussions will result from everyone having done the reading.

 

Do ask questions. Some of the most productive discussions can arise from questions about the text. Remember that if you have a question about what is going on, chances are at least 20% of the class has a similar question.

 

Know that when anyone (yourself included) speaks in class, others in the class will assess what has been said. Together the entire class is trying to determine the correct approach or answer which means that everything brought up in class will be poked and prodded to see if it can withstand scrutiny. This is good, not a personal attack. If someone’s position has been challenged, can the challenge be met?

 

Do not be afraid to change your mind or amend your position. Listening to and responding to challenges should, at least sometimes, lead you to alter your position. This is the sign of a good philosopher and someone who is interested in getting to the correct answer, not merely illustrating his or her infallibility.

 

Do listen carefully. Part of being a good participant in a discussion is carefully listening to what others are saying.

 

Do briefly summarize someone’s point when you assess it. You may have misinterpreted what has been said; give the speaker an opportunity clarify his or her position.

 

Do not expect everyone to agree with you. But, do not quietly accept their disagreement. Explain why you are correct. Give yourself a full opportunity to convince your classmates that you are correct (and develop your philosophical skills).

 

Do try to give the most generous interpretation to comments made in class.

 

Do try to help your classmates when you understand what they are trying to say but they appear to be having difficulties communicating.

 

Do bring up errors you believe your classmates have made. Do so in a respectful manner, but letting potential errors of your classmates go by will not be a service to them. If you bring up your criticism, you will be giving your classmates an opportunity to strengthen their arguments.

 

Do expect that everyone will treat you with respect (and you will do likewise)

 

Do expect to make mistakes in class. You will not be alone. Everyone who speaks in class will make mistakes (myself included). The only way to avoid making mistakes is to not talk. Not talking is not in your best interest. We will all make mistakes. I will be far more impressed with someone who earnestly tries out new ideas and makes mistakes then someone who never speaks for fear of making mistakes.

If there is something you would like to discuss, bring it up. Do not count on someone else to bring it up.

 

Try not dominate discussion (that is, let other people have an opportunity to speak).

 

Make use of the opportunities to speak. If you believe someone is speaking too much, remember that he or she may be doing this because no one else is jumping in. Everyone has a responsibility to make sure that there is a even distribution of discussion throughout the class.

 

Do not speak in class without having thought about what you are going to say. Put another way, do not bs.

 

If you disagree with someone, make certain that you clearly identify the point of disagreement and provide reasons supporting your position.

 

If you are unsure of how to formulate a question, try. It is likely that someone else can help you.

 

Refrain from making fun of classmates who make an argument with which you disagree. It is possible that they are on to something good. Additionally, mocking people will discourage them from contributing further in the semester and they might have something quite worthwhile to say as the semester progresses.

 

Refrain from whispering in class while others are speaking. While you may be speaking of something entirely unrelated to class (which you should not be doing anyway), the person who is speaking may be self-conscious about speaking in class or feel unsure of the point she or he is making and assume that you are making fun of her or him.


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