Navigating political differences: The role of civil discourse in today's climate

As the 2024 general election comes to final voting today, a UF professor suggests strategies for navigating political differences and emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, especially in the current political climate. 

Jill Ingram, Ph.D., a professor of humanities and the director of undergraduate studies at the Hamilton Center at UF, said the need for respectful political discourse has never been more pressing. She also is a key contributor to a new course offered by the Hamilton Center titled Civil Discourse and the American Political Order.  

The course, which will launch in the spring, aims to equip students with the tools to navigate discussions thoughtfully. Its primary goal is to provide students with a historical framework and vocabulary to discuss political issues.  

“This class is designed to encourage students to consider alternative points of view rooted in historical examples,” she said.  

Engaging with friends or family who hold different political views can be challenging, especially during a heated election season, and Ingram urges students to practice active listening.  

“Make sure you understand their perspective,” she said. “Everything needs to be based on legitimacy and fact.  

Another key strategy is to ask clarifying questions and to empathize with others, even when you don’t agree. For example, instead of responding with immediate disagreement, she said, one could ask “what experience led you to that conclusion?” 

Ingram recognizes that students often face significant challenges when discussing political differences and advises students to engage with different perspectives to better understand one another.  

“One of the best things about the Gator community is that the environment at UF is overall happy and well-adjusted,” she said. “However, students may be hesitant to express their opinions for fear of offending others. There shouldn’t be an intent to offend.”  

Universities like UF are crucial to fostering environments for open dialogue and debate, she said. The university should not take a political stance, but there is a moral obligation to help students understand their own principles and engage in meaningful debates. 

By promoting more civil debate through courses like Civil Discourse and the American Political Order, the Hamilton Center aims to cultivate a culture where students feel empowered to explore differing views and build connections.  

“I would look forward to seeing students more willing to engage in political discussions that are not inherently divisive,” Ingram said.