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by | May 23, 2014

What system of dialogue will be implemented? The concern of a dialogue is not to win an argument but to forge a greater understanding of the matter being discussed. Aristotle described and classified 4 types of arguments didactic, dialectical, examination arguments and contentious arguments. It wasn’t until recently and Waltron’s research which modernized the thoughts […]

What system of dialogue will be implemented?

The concern of a dialogue is not to win an argument but to forge a greater understanding of the matter being discussed. Aristotle described and classified 4 types of arguments didactic, dialectical, examination arguments and contentious arguments. It wasn’t until recently and Waltron’s research which modernized the thoughts behind dialogues (1998).

In the new dialectic an argument is always an argument “for a purpose” whether for one person or another’s benefit, each speaker may have a goal or motive.

Types of dialogue

TYPEINITIAL SITUATIONMAIN GOALPARTICIPANTS AIM
Persuasion dialogueConflicting points of viewResolution such problems by verbal meansPersuade the other(s) in the dialogue
NegotiationConflict of interests and need for more cooperationMaking a dealGet the best out of it for oneself
InquiryGeneral ignoranceGrowth of knowledge and agreementFind a proof or destroy one
DeliberationNeed for actionReach a decisionInfluence outcome
Information seekingPersonal ignoranceSpreading knowledge and revealing postionsGain, pass on, show or hide personal knowledge
EristicsConflict and antagonismReaching a, provisional, accommodation in a relationshipStrike the other party and win in the eyes of onlookers.

The system used in the community will usually be an inquiry, persuasion or information seeking dialogue. To make it easier to tell when a dialogue has started key phrases might be worthwhile idea like “So we are discussing X now correct?” I need more research into dialogues before I write more entries.

[note: Dialogues are a form of discussion, not necessarily a debate, they were used as a teaching and reasoning method for thousands of years before falling out of vogue in recent times. The idea of discussing a principle with structured debate not just speaking louder or interrupting is a sorely required  skill in the modern era. Remaining calm, noting logical fallacies in other arguments and our own is fundamental. It is especially useful in a community that actively seeks to improve itself, and where everyone should be able to voice an opinion.]