Timothy High
1 min readJun 5, 2020

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I'm not a "street epistemologist", but I do believe I have been successful at opening up meaningful dialog with Trump voters (or anyone that's on the other side of a philosophical divide). What's missing from this list, I believe, are some key points towards gaining trust:

* Apply those same questions to YOURSELF, openly, during the conversation, to show that you are equally open to doubt, learning, and changing your mind.

* Actively try to seek the answers with the person, as if you're just trying to figure something out together

* If they say something that sows any doubt whatsoever, say so to show that they are having an effect on you.

* Never tell them what's right, or what to think. If you disagree with something, ask it as a question. This is covered in your first tip, but it's not just an ice-breaker. It's a mode of conversation. "Where did you read that? Can you show me? Why do you think that? Do you think it's possible that...?"

* Most importantly, be GENUINELY open to learning and changing your mind. Don't ask more from others than you are offering yourself.

This is an incredibly important skill we should ALL learn. You don't have to win arguments, you just have to get people to think more. Thanks for this article!

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