The art of talking to each other

Public debates escalate into poisonous arguments. And across society as a whole, there is a growing fear of a decline in social cohesion and the end of respect and reason. Media scientist Bernhard Pörksen analyses the communicative climate change. He shows ways out of the polarisation trap in times of great irritation and outlines an ethic of talking to each other that combines empathy and appreciation with the willingness to engage in clarifying confrontation. With many vivid examples, he demonstrates how discussions and debates can be improved and how the art of talking to one another can become a school of democracy and good coexistence.