Is Dialogue Possible?

Key points

Principles of constructive political dialogue may seem like common sense. But they are not common practice.

Dialogue is not a superficial civility that masks our differences.

Even brief moments of dialogue can make a difference, changing the tone of subsequent discussion and debate.

This post is part two of a series.

In my last post , I presented a summary of several essential principles of constructive dialogue and reasoned debate. Before describing these principles in greater detail, I need to respond to objections and criticisms that may have occurred to many readers.

To some readers, many of the concepts and recommendations I will discuss in subsequent posts — affirmations , empathy, genuine openness — may seem like platitudes or common sense. But they are not co