Teaching Students to Argue Smarter: Bridging the Campus Divide with Dangerous Ideas

Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 07:01

In this article, we explore how one assistant professor is guiding students to engage in more constructive debates on highly polarizing issues such as abortion, guns, and moral obligations to animals. Simon Cullen advocates for a more intelligent discourse where students can share diverse viewpoints without fear of judgment. By leveraging AI moderators, he aims to empower students to develop well-rounded opinions through robust discussions.

Insidehighered — Teaching Students to Argue Smarter: Bridging the Campus Divide with Dangerous Ideas

Teaching Students to Argue Smarter

In this article, we delve into the educational approach taken by assistant professor Simon Cullen to encourage constructive debates among students.

Focus on Controversial Campus Topics

Abortion: Discussing differing stances on a highly debated topic.
Guns: Exploring perspectives on firearm regulations and ownership.
Transracial Identities: Understanding complex identity issues.
Moral Obligations to Animals: Examining ethical responsibilities towards animals.

Cullen's perspective challenges the status quo of avoiding difficult conversations and emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse ideas for a comprehensive liberal arts education.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.