Contributed
The English Speaking Union will welcome Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, professor and author of “Think Again: How to Reason and Argue in a Polarized World,” on Wednesday, April 20, at 6 p.m., at Pinehurst Members Club.
In a polarized world, a good argument can help create understanding, respect and compromise. Disagreements among people have existed as long as humans have, but the inability of opposing sides to compromise with one another seems epidemic today. In his book, Think Again, Sinnott-Armstrong reveals the benefits that sound, fair arguments grounded in mutual understanding can have.
Particularly on social media platforms, such as Twitter, arguments seem to increasingly function as a means to both satisfy one’s allies and jab one’s opponents publicly. In contrast, reasonable arguments, says Sinnott-Armstrong, “can create more mutual understanding and respect, and even if neither party is convinced by the other, compromise is still possible.”
Sinnott-Armstrong teaches that it is not about winning arguments or beating opponents, rather his book is about understanding each other and appreciating strong evidence.
Sinnott-Armstrong is Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics at Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University.
The event is sponsored by Fran and Carolyn Grandinetti, Kacky Johnson and Vicky Windell.
