Menu
Psyche
DonateNewsletter
SIGN IN

Conflict and conflict resolution

Illustration of a person listening with a hand cupped to their ear, surrounded by soft pastel colours.

Communication and language

idea

Why listening well can make disagreements less damaging

Offering undivided attention and curiosity not only lowers the temperature of a conversation but can change its outcome

by Guy Itzchakov

Three women communicate across windows of different buildings, one in the foreground with glasses, two others in the background with an open window.

Compassion and empathy

idea

Improve your relationships with the science of perspective-taking

Social psychology research is breaking down the process of perspective-taking and revealing ways to help us get along better

by Hunter Gehlbach

A person in winter gear collects litter, including cans and bottles, from a snowy mountain landscape with a panoramic view of distant peaks.

Civic life

idea

It’s not only political conservatives who worry about moral purity

You might think the political Right is more focussed on morals than the Left. But purity is a pervasive political value

by Kurt Gray, Will Blakey & Nicholas DiMaggio

Ancient fresco depicts a seated figure holding a child, while another figure approaches, accompanied by a young child with wings, on a weathered background.

Civic life

idea

Can political persuasion be something more than manipulation?

Kant argued that persuasion was a product of manipulation and deception. But it can also be a force for good in civic life

by James Kastely

Photo of an ancient stone relief depicting four figures in draped garments with expressive faces, shown in close-up.

Communication and language

idea

How do good conversations work? Philosophy has something to say

The idea of what makes for a successful conversation is always tricky, and has always been contested by philosophers

by Stephanie Ross

Photo of a man with a beard wearing a black shirt that has “NO VAX” in large white letters appliquéd on it.

Communication and language

idea

Why you shouldn’t shrink from challenging your loved ones’ views

Care is warranted when arguing with friends and family. But you can be respectful and still point out the flaws in their views

by Matt Ferkany

Photo of two women and a man arguing animatedly in a crowded outdoor setting with trees in the background.

Conflict and conflict resolution

idea

Argue better by signalling your receptiveness with these words

All too often disagreements spiral into conflict. Prevent that happening by signalling your receptiveness with these words

by Michael Yeomans

Black-and-white photo of a man speaking to reporters holding microphones in a crowded outdoor setting.

Conflict and conflict resolution

idea

Democracy needs discomfort and distrust is a political virtue

Distrust thy neighbour: why expressing distrust is a necessary precondition for civic friendship and a robust democracy

by Meena Krishnamurthy