🤝

Module 12 - How to discuss safely and respectfully

Constructive conversation and responding to attacks

Introduction

In the previous modules, we focused on working with information. Now we will focus on working with people. People can have different opinions, which is normal. Critical thinking does not mean winning an argument. It means having a constructive conversation.

The difference between a discussion and an argument

Discussion:

  • people listen to each other,
  • use arguments,
  • respect each other.

Argument:

  • people shout over each other,
  • use attacks,
  • want to win.

How to respond to a different opinion?

Let's repeat what we've already said in previous modules. You can say, for example:

  • "I understand what you're saying."
  • "I have a different perspective."
  • "Can you explain that?"
  • "I need more information."
  • "I'm not sure."

It's okay to disagree, and the other party should respect that.

What is an argumentative attack?

An attack is an argument that:

  • judges a person,
  • insults a person,
  • discredits a person,
  • downplays the situation,
  • uses authority to justify itself,
  • does not provide justification.

Example:

"You don't understand." "Only a stupid person would say that." — That's not an argument.

What to do when someone attacks you?

When you are being attacked:

  • Stay calm.
  • Do not respond with aggression.
  • Return to the topic.
  • You can politely end the conversation.

There is no obligation to discuss at all costs.

📌 Summary

Sometimes it is better to say:

  • "I don't know, I don't have enough information."
  • "I need to check that."

This is part of critical thinking.

  • Respect is part of critical thinking.
  • An argument must be justified.
  • An argumentative attack is not an argument.
  • It is okay to have a different opinion.

Practical exercises

✍️ Practical exercise 1: Think about the discussion and answer the questions.

Person A: "I think the new programme will help the students."
Person B: "Only someone who doesn't think at all would say that."

Does the second sentence contain an argument?

👀 Show solution

✅ No.

Is the second sentence an attack?

👀 Show solution

✅ Yes.

Choose ways of responding that are calm and not an attack:

👀 Show solution
  • ✅ "Can you tell me why you think that?"
  • ❌ "You don't actually know the reasons why it helps, do you?!"
  • ❌ "Only a fool would come up with a programme like that; I'm sure you'll agree."
  • ✅ "I'd like to hear some specific reasons."
  • ❌ "Well, of course, it'll mainly help the people who came up with it."

✍️ Practical exercise 2: Consider the following discussion.

Person A: "I think the scheme is good because it will help small businesses."
Person B: "I think it might be too expensive."

Do both sentences contain an argument?

👀 Show solution

✅ Yes.

Is there an attack?

👀 Show solution

✅ No.

Is the discussion taking place in a calm manner?

👀 Show solution

✅ Yes.

Naposledy změněno: středa, 24. června 2026, 17.01