Discussion Group

How to Argue (And Not Just Quarrel)

Why is it so difficult to argue constructively about politics and other controversial topics? Given what we know about human psychology, what can be done to improve the way we argue? What distinguishes legitimate techniques of persuasion from manipulation and sophistry? What do we owe to one another when we argue?

A discussion group about why arguments go wrong and how we can do better.

Wednesdays | 12.00-1.30pm | Elm Library

Mar 27 | Daniel Dennett, “Rapoport’s Rules”
Apr 3 | Amy Olberding, “Twenty Theses on Civility”
Apr 10 | Scott Alexander, “Sort By Controversial”

This discussion group is open to Yale students in any discipline. To sign up or for more information please contact Peter Wicks.

Anger is never without an argument, but seldom with a good one.

George Savile, “Of Anger”