Arguably Better: Video and Discussion

Today’s meeting will start with the first two (short) videos from Professor Sherman J. Clark, the Kirkland & Ellis Professor of Law at the University of Michigan, in his “Arguably Better” series. Here is the write-up that describes this series:

In this six-part series, Professor Sherman Clark talks about efficacy, empathy, and ethics in argumentation. Why do arguments so often fail to persuade? How can we learn to argue more effectively? What responsibilities ought to accompany efforts at persuasion? And how might learning to argue better help us learn how to live better lives—both as individuals and as a community?

We will follow these videos (25 minutes total) with discussion regarding arguing, discussion, and how to reach greater understanding with people whose world views are very different from our own. One point of view suggests that this isn’t possible. Please think about your own life and experiences, and come prepared to discuss!