Discussion and dialogue

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Dialog Retreat
Originally uploaded by veni markovski

A quote from organised chaos

“A key difference between a dialogue and an ordinary discussion is that, within
the latter people usually hold relatively fixed positions and argue in favor of
their views as they try to convince others to change. At best this may produce
agreement or compromise, but it does not give rise to anything creative.”

David Bohm & David Peat, Science Order, and Creativity, p. 241

There are many forms of discussion, the three main types being argument, debate, and dialogue.

• In argument, you try to convince your opponent that they are wrong and you are
  right
• in debate, you argue your case, to convince an audience that you
  are right
• in dialogue, you explore the topic together, to try and find
  what is right

That's why dialogue is the primary process that lies behind so much Knowledge Management activity