Discussing Philosophy in a Productive Way

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by Multitude

When discussing complex topics such as strategy, it is essential to engage in skillful conversation. If the conversationalists are unable to employ wise techniques, then effective communication may not take place, and the conversation may become unproductive. Here are some recommendations to make and maintain a productive conversation when discussing strategy.

Listen – Most importantly, you must listen as much as possible to others in the discussion. Many people talk too much and listen too little. Ironically, if you talk too much, you will have difficulty expressing yourself. If you listen well, you can express yourself better because you can tailor your response to what the person has already said. Also, if you listen intently, they will likely reciprocate. If you don’t listen and simply try to talk over them, they will likely do the same to you.

Ask Questions – Plato’s dialogues illustrate how Socrates used questions to have effective philosophical conversations with others. The Socratic Method can be very useful in strategy discussions. Asking questions can help you better understand the other speakers and may lead them to express their contentions more clearly to you. This can greatly reduce misunderstandings. Also, asking questions makes you appear genuinely interested in the other person’s motivations. Making disagreeing statements instead of asking questions can make the other person feel attacked and make you appear preachy, both of which can make the discussion less productive.

Speak Clearly – This may seem obvious, but many people try to show off or make their ideas appear stronger by using more complex language. However, you can have a more productive conversation with the least misunderstandings by expressing yourself as clearly as possible. Using concise, simple, and specific phrasing can often help you express yourself clearly. Rambling, over-elaboration, and the unnecessary use of “big words” can make you less clear. Also, you can express yourself most clearly when you match the formality of your speech or writing to the formality of the situation. In other words, use formal phrasing in a formal situation and more casual phrasing in a more casual setting.

Speak Nicely and Politely – If the conversation turns into a contest or if some of the speakers feel angry or offended, it can greatly reduce the philosophical efficiency of the discussion. A conversation about strategy can quickly degenerate into a name-calling, insult-throwing fight. The other person will listen to you more if they feel more comfortable and respected. Don’t just speak as well as you need to in order to keep the conversation philosophical; rather, speak as well, respectfully, and politely as you can. Avoid insults, name-calling, or offensiveness as much as possible. Also, especially if you disagree, try thanking the other person for discussing the topic with you.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME