The Other Side: A Moderate's Manifesto on How to Disagree

Summary

An active participant in the debates over same-sex marriage for three decades, philosopher John Corvino built strong relationships, and even friendships, with many on the other side. In this urgent and thought-provoking book, Corvino draws lessons from that experience to make the case for how to better engage with those with whom we disagree. Corvino knows from his own lived experience that it is possible to move beyond the polarization and toxicity of the current moment, and The Other Side provides a roadmap of how we might do so.

Covering a range of hotly contested topics such as cancel culture, free speech, and civility, The Other Side is an essential guide for how to argue productively with others in the culture wars. Corvino argues that if we want to communicate effectively, we need to pay attention to what people are hearing as much as what you are saying—although he acknowledges that it us much harder to "read the room" in the age of social media, where remarks can go viral and be ripped from context. He also identifies various conversation stoppers that can frustrate productive dialogue.

What are the costs of political polarization? When and why should you engage with views you strongly believe to be false? What is the point of civility—and what are its limits? When, if ever, should persons be cancelled? What are the benefits-and dangers-of giving people the benefit of the doubt? With his characteristic combination of common sense, generosity, humor, and wit, Corvino not only brings nuance and insight to these vital questions but provides compelling and constructive answers.