In an angry age, learn how to converse with civility

(Photo: Humanities Washington)

We’ve all experienced those moments during family gatherings when discussions become arguments, when differing opinions become so heated the only solutions seem to be fight or flight.

David Smith thinks he knows a different way.

Smith, who teaches courses at the University of Washington’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, will present an hour-long Zoom event titled "Civil Conversation in an Angry Age" at 6:30 p.m on Monday.

The event is being sponsored by the Spokane Public Library.

Smith, a former faculty member at Central Washington University, holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Temple University. He teaches courses in comparative religion, comparative ethics and a number of other philosophical/religious areas, including character development.

That latter-most area poses a range of questions. As Smith’s personal web page explains, “Character development is an approach to ethics that focuses on the characteristics of noble people. While most moral theories focus on what it means to do good, theories of virtue focus on what it means to be good. What are the characteristics of good people?”

For Monday’s event, Smith will address two basic questions: “At what point does a conversation become a battle? Why do some opinions inflame our emotions, leading to anger, fights, and even the end of relationships with family and friends?”

These questions seem particularly relevant to our time. If you’re interested in attending the online event, click here.

And no arguments, now. Space is limited.