Says+who?

=**2. Says who? **= //**They are critical thinkers who consider diverse points of view and bias. They are discriminating readers and viewers.**//

They are able to see things from different perspectives. In doing so,they ask from whose viewpoint is this presented?

They are also able to ask if an important perspective missing. Some group discussions actually place an empty chair in the circle. This graphically reminds discussants to consider whose perspective is missing, e.g., who isn't at the table? We should challenge students to attempt to take the perspective of the missing people. If there is no conflict, whose perspective is missing from the table? Such realizations will make students more aware of different levels of power in relation to issues.

As they pursue multiple perspectives on issues, students are developing what Deborah Meier calls "informed skepticism." Such critical thinking will lead them to question how they know what they know.

"Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world." -- Wayne W. Dwyer.

Frances Moore Lappe claims that conflict in dialogue has positive functions:
 * Conflict uncovers interests as we see the consequences of our views through others’ eyes, and we may agree to disagree.
 * It deepens our understanding of a problem.
 * It provides us with more options for action.
 * It can encourage us to see disputes as an opportunity for learning instead of a platform for winning or losing.
 * The positive resolution of the conflict can build group confidence.

**Skill building**
