After the Helen Haines attack, experts explain how to have respectful disagreements
Following an attack on MP Helen Haines, experts are promoting workshops designed to help Australians navigate polarized political and social disagreements. The initiative uses psychological and philosophical frameworks to encourage civility and respectful discourse.
Why it matters
As social polarization increases globally, tools for maintaining civil discourse are becoming essential for the health of democratic societies.
Dr Farid Zaid (left) and Dr Daniel Heller run workshops on how to listen and disagree thoughtfully. ( Supplied )
Link copied Share Share article Why is it hard to disagree well?
It's a question many Australians, from the governor-general and prime minister down, have been deeply considering since Monday's shocking attack on MP Helen Haines and the subsequent national conversation about civility, respect and social cohesion.
And it's a question academics Daniel Heller and Farid Zaid have spent years discussing with thousands of Australians.
Dr Heller and Dr Zaid co-direct the Brave Conversations Project , a Monash University initiative that combines psychology, neuroscience, education and philosophy to help people talk across their differences.
The attack on Helen Haines has prompted Australians to consider social cohesion. ( Facebook )
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