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 common practice.

Michael Mascolo analysed a debate between two college professors on the issue of gun control. The debate consisted of ninety-one conversational turns. Ninety turns expressed an "adversarial position." Only one statement included "a mention of an interest, need, or problem" that was the........

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