Critical Conversations

← Critical Conversations3 okt 2025 · 10 min

The Discipline of Civil Discourse: Four Tools to Debate Without Demeaning

The Discipline of Civil Discourse: Four Tools to Debate Without Demeaning3 okt 202510 min

In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around "civil discourse" and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn't just about sharing opinions, it's about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what's framed as free speech is really provocation disguised as debate. Dr. Daniels challenges that notion and introduces four practical tools designed to help us sharpen our ability to disagree without disrespect, and to debate without demeaning.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design