Discussion Schooling, and the Struggle for Democracy

The author argues that because democracy, education, and discussion are interrelated and seek to promote human growth, we must find ways to involve both children and adults in frequent discussions that are respectful, mindful, critical, and hopeful. Although it is very difficult to carry on good discussion and although our practices always fall short of our ideals, we must keep trying because discussion is such an integral part of being human. The author contends that one way to facilitate more thoughtful and sensitive discussion is to attempt to practice a set of dispositional ideals that include hospitality, participation and efficacy, mindfulness, mutuality, deliberation, hope and autonomy. He concludes that although discussion can falter and all too often reinforce the inequalities that exist in larger society, it is one of the paths we must follow to create a more humane and decent world.