The 3 Approaches of Discussion and The Reasons Behind Them

Assuming a critical matter, perhaps a philosophical issue or a subject that concerns us rises. Everyone has been taught a different way to talk, communicate and listen to what others have to say. It is surprising that not everyone has discussions in the same way. Let’s see what possible approaches are out there.

1. Who is right
   People may not often start with the intention to prove themselves right over something. However, in many cases, they end up fighting to support their opinion. The discussion, in this case, is a kind of fight where one has to dominate. The person assumes that if their opinion proves to be right, they will gain the group’s trust. Even if they understand they have been mistaken, they have to defend their opinion. The discussion is the representation of a war where the strongest will survive. The benefits after someone gains the trust of their company are numerous. They can control others, and they can find support and comfort when they are in need. Assuming that ”winning” over a conversation will come with other benefits is not irrational. Even though this could not be the basis of a healthy conversation, we cannot underestimate the motivation behind this approach which literally wants to help people lead a certain group and benefit themselves and others.
2. What is right
   The word ”orthology” is Greek, and it describes rationalism. It comes from ”ortho”, which means correct, and ”logos”, which means either speech or thinking. Ancient Greek philosophers who set the boundaries of democracy introduced the purpose for a healthy discussion. They suggested that the intention of each discussion should be to find the right conclusion. Even though today this may seem obvious, for some people, it was not a fact right from the beginning. The idea that we should have an intention when we gather and exchange views and the fact that there are many views out there cannot be taken for granted. While Greece is often depicted as a place where warm and open people have fun most of the day, it is not quite like that. Greeks have strong connections with philosophy, and they set the foundation for the western culture that dominated Europe and affected America later on. The idea that the intention of communication should be to discover the truth was actually quite useful at that time. We talk about a period when people would still have to struggle to survive, and science was struggling to find its principles. This saved us from falling into traps that would keep us in the dark for centuries, and it allowed us to develop our way of thinking and have a clear mindset that would put egos and feelings aside and focus on how we could become better.
3. How to connect
   A discussion does not necessarily center around the issue we discuss. The fact that some people care most about who is right proves that. On the other side of competitiveness lies love. Two opposing forces come to confirm that people care most about relationships. A common phenomenon one will likely meet in Latin America is that people discuss to get to know each other. Every little interaction they have with each other is oriented towards building a relationship, and the majority of times, we talk about friendly relationships. People do not face others as if they were enemies. They are so absorbed in becoming friends that the whole idea of who is right and who is wrong is forgotten. Even the concern of reaching a solid conclusion is not that prioritized. We cannot avoid falling into the temptation to explain this approach. This approach reveals that people are feeling cool and they have probably solved the basic survival problems. Therefore, they are now focused on socializing and getting together. Another idea could imply that people, in this case, manage to prioritize cooperation to achieve the survival of their race, tribe, or family. Therefore they believe it is critical to be friends with others and assume they have to do what it takes to get to that point.

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