Unit 9: Couples Therapy for Debaters
Unit 9: Couples Therapy for Debaters
Rogerian Argument and the Falsification Principle
Rogerian Argument and the Falsification Principle
After the high-energy clash of formal debate, this unit shifts the focus to empathy, understanding, and truth-testing. Students will explore Rogerian Argument, a rhetorical approach designed to reduce polarization by identifying common ground and acknowledging opposing perspectives. Unlike traditional argument structures that emphasize victory, Rogerian methods promote dialogue, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving—vital tools for navigating conflict in academic, professional, and personal contexts.
Complementing this is an introduction to Karl Popper’s Falsification Principle—the philosophical idea that genuine knowledge evolves by testing, questioning, and attempting to disprove our own beliefs. Together, these frameworks challenge students to soften rigid thinking, question their assumptions, and engage more productively across differences. By practicing perspective reversal, reconciliation exercises, and applying falsification to personal truths, students deepen both their intellectual humility and rhetorical sophistication.
Explain the structure and purpose of Rogerian Argument, emphasizing empathy and common ground.
Apply Rogerian principles to de-escalate conflict and foster constructive dialogue.
Articulate and argue from an opposing viewpoint to develop intellectual flexibility.
Understand and apply Karl Popper’s Falsification Principle to question personal beliefs and strengthen arguments.
Reflect on the role of empathy, humility, and critical self-examination in academic and civic discourse.
'Couples Therapy' with the Class: Post-Debate Reconciliation
Following formal debates, students engage in structured dialogues using Rogerian techniques to find shared values and reduce polarization.
Perspective Reversal Exercise
Students adopt and argue an opposing viewpoint, demonstrating understanding of the other side's logic, values, and concerns.
Falsification Principle Application of Personal Truth
Reflective written exercise where students apply Popper’s principle to test one of their own beliefs or assumptions, exploring its potential weaknesses.
TBD
Karl Popper Stanford Page (Focus on "4. Basic Statements, Falsifiability and Convention") (Link)
"Tit for Tat and Beyond: The Legendary Work of Anatol Rapoport" by Shirli Kopelman (Link)
Hidden Brain: "How Minds Change"
Exploration of how people revise beliefs and the psychological barriers to changing one's mind.
The Ezra Klein Show (Selected Episodes on Polarization and Dialogue)
Conversations about bridging divides, understanding opposing perspectives, and fostering intellectual humility.
CrashCourse: Rogerian Argument and Empathy in Persuasion
Accessible breakdown of Rogerian techniques and their role in reducing conflict.
Karl Popper: Falsification Explained (Philosophy Vibe or Wireless Philosophy)
Student-friendly introduction to Popper’s concept of falsifiability and its application to critical thinking.
"The Rogerian Argument: A Method of Emphasizing Common Ground" — University Writing Centers
Practical guides and examples for applying Rogerian techniques in academic writing and discussion.
"Conjectures and Refutations" (Excerpts) — Karl Popper
Foundational text introducing falsification and its role in distinguishing knowledge from belief.
"How to Have Better Political Conversations" — Harvard Negotiation Project (Article/Toolkit)
Applied communication strategies for navigating disagreement with respect and clarity.