Communication and Understanding

optional courses

(in Polish) pożądane uprzednie odbycie podstawowego kursu logiki

The class will refer to the method developed by Marshall Rosenberg, the so-called non-violent agreement, embedded in the context of the foundations of logic and ethics. This way is conducive to minimising conflict, building mutual understanding, reviewing the needs of the parties and reaching joint solutions. It envisages focusing the conversation on perceptions, feelings, needs and requests. Other forms of expression (judgements, criticism, demands, diagnoses, interpretations, accusations, etc.) hinder conflict resolution. This method is very simple, but its implementation is much more difficult and therefore requires practice.

The classes will include the following types of activities:

1. Theoretical introduction to non-violent understanding. Relation to the foundations of logic and to different ethical concepts.

2. basic practical exercises: distinguishing perceptions from interpretations, comparisons, explanations and diagnoses; distinguishing statements about feelings from statements about thoughts or ideas; distinguishing needs from strategies for satisfying needs and from analysis of others' mistakes; distinguishing requests from demands, accusations or apparent concern for the partner. Subsequently: formulating one's own statements in a manner characteristic of non-violent communication; hearing in others' confrontational statements the unexpressed perceptions, feelings, needs and requests; and responding to this very communication of the interlocutors.

3. more advanced practical exercises: working out examples of authentic conflict situations reported by the audience

4. analysis of the most common difficulties and obstacles in reaching an agreement.

M. Rosenberg, Porozumienie bez przemocy, Warszawa 2009; A. Jedynak, Porozumienie bez przemocy, „Etyka” nr 42, 2009.

A student gains 'soft' skills: knows the basic principles of non-violent communication; distinguishes perceptions from interpretations, evaluations and diagnoses; distinguishes statements about feelings from statements about thoughts; distinguishes needs from strategies for satisfying needs; and requests from disguised demands. Is able to express him/herself in the language of perceptions, feelings, needs and requests, and to hear these kinds of messages in others' statements expressed in a different form. In a situation of disagreement or aspiration, he/she is able to express him/herself in a way which moderates conflicts and promotes a common solution. Does not use manipulation or pressure. Has a better understanding of his/her own and others' feelings and needs. Is aware of the role of empathy in building understanding. Avoids the pitfalls of apparent agreement. In reaching an agreement, he/she is guided not by rigid opinions but by the desire to satisfy the needs of the parties.

Grading is based on attendance, mastery of the material as evidenced by active participation in class, enrichment of the class by reporting one's own experiences of communication with others and completion of the exercises provided.