The Word in Focus with Dr Larry Taylor

Perhaps because we have less and less exposure to a broad liberal arts education that includes the study of classical literature, music, and art, coupled with increasing exposure to social media, the current trend seems to be leaning increasingly towards dichotomous thinking. Algorithms herd us into silos. Also called black and white thinking, dichotomous thinking divides issues into two simple alternatives. Things are either right or wrong, true or false, good or bad. 

Fundamentalists and absolutionists, whether religious, political, or ideological, tend to think dichotomously. It’s easier. We like that it makes us feel superior. We get a rush out of being right. My tribe is right. Yours is wrong. Them and us. Good guys and bad guys.

Dialectical thinking is the opposite of dichotomous thinking. Dialectical thinking involves examining all sides of an issue, listening respectively to opposing viewpoints, considering multiple perspectives, being comfortable in the liminal space of uncertainty, and being humble enough to admit that we might be wrong. It is an effort to see as much of the big picture as we can. Dialectical thinking includes tolerance and avoids demonization. It requires intellectual modesty. 

Learning to be broadminded, to consider all sides of issues, and rationally and calmly discuss differences with humility require effort. We need to learn to dialogue. For me, that learning begins with viewing others, all others, as beloved by God, created in God’s image, and having unsurpassable worth. It involves careful nonjudgemental listening. 

Poet Mark Nepo said, “History is a conflict between two tribes: one that hunts and one that welcomes.” I want to be in the welcoming tribe.