Ch. 5: Dialogic Ethics

Chapter 5, Dialogic Ethics, primarily focuses on two individuals and their behavior and contribution in a conversation. It's essential to be open-minded while conversing with the other person and treat them with respect.  Freire argues that "a major common set of interests and power equity must be in place before dialogue can take place" (87). Unfortunately, there are times when one person won't engage in successful dialogue with another person because of their social status. It's imperative that we see each other as equals, as stated by Buber. Successful dialogue can create an environment where learning and teaching are prevalent. We must go into a conversation with the idea that we will learn and be satisfied with the results. This can only be possible when both communicators operate in a open, vulnerable, and interested manner. This can be difficult when the other person has a different agenda or perceived outcome. It's also a difficulty between two people from different backgrounds or cultures. We tend to go into the conversation with a pre-notion that it won't be effective or have a positive outcome. That's where openness is so important. 

One example that dialogic ethics is prevalent is during presidential campaigns. Candidates have similar social statuses, but unfortunately don't adhere to their competition's opinions and policies. It's evident that their agenda is to almost make the other candidate look bad to their audience instead of successfully gaining an advantage with policies that the audience admires. They lack respect in dialogue and argue more than have meaningful conversation.