Dialogue, Logic and Reasoning, and Civic Life

“Democracy begins in human conversation. A democratic conversation does not require elaborate rules of procedure or utopian notions of perfect consensus. What it does require is a spirit of mutual respect—people conversing critically with one another in an atmosphere of honesty and shared regard.”

— William Greider, Who Will Tell the People

Introduction

Welcome to Dialogue, Logic and Reasoning, and Civic Life , the first course in the BRI’s online program, Teaching Logic and Reasoning!

In this course, you will explore the relationship between dialogue and argumentation in civil society and its importance to democracy. What has been the purpose of dialogue and argumentation in the past? How does participation in these impact us as citizens? As educators? Investigating these guiding questions will further build understanding for the importance of reason and logic to successfully participate in civil dialogue.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the history of dialogue and argumentation in a democratic society.
  
• Analyze your role as a citizen and as an educator in relation to dialogue and reasoning in a democratic society.
  
• Evaluate examples of dialogue and reasoning in civic life.