Dialogues Across Difference

In this episode, speakers will share practical tools for having respectful and inclusive debates. We’ll talk about how to actively listen, understand different perspectives, challenge ideas (not people), and practice empathy—so everyone feels heard and valued.SPEAKERSModerator: School of Political Science and International Studies Head of School Professor Katrina Lee-KooAssociate Professor Morgan Brigg (Perspective: Tools from mediation)Professor Thelma Parker (Perspective: Tools for collaboration)

This episode unpacks the complexities of modern debate, examining the factors that make discussions challenging. We will look at the current socio-political environment as a catalyst for disagreement, emotional intensity, and how misinformation and polarisation is contributing to fraught conversations. SPEAKERSModerator: Co-moderators Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) Professor Kath Gelber and UQ Union President Jaafar JaburDr Anne Kruger (Perspective: Misinformation and disinformation)Dr Kiri Ingram (Perspective: Online radicalisation)Professor Andrew Phillips (Perspective: Social media)Shahzaib Farhan (Perspective: Students’ lived experiences - social media and young adults)

Over the past decade, having respectful conversations and debate, especially about the big issues, has become more challenging.  We live in a world where trust is declining, information is non-stop and algorithms are feeding us more of what we already believe. We will explore how we can have better, more respectful conversations and debate – even when we don’t agree.SPEAKERSModerator : Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus, Culture and Leadership)Professor Matthew Hornsey (Perspective: Declining trust in science)Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA (Perspective: Truth, trust and healing)Dr Bethany Mackay (Perspective: Polarisation and safety)