In Our Time

Civility: talking with those who disagree with you

71 snips
Jul 31, 2025
Join Teresa Bejan, a political theory professor at Oxford, John Gallagher, an early modern history expert from Leeds, and Phil Withington, a history professor at Sheffield, as they explore the multifaceted concept of civility. They discuss its historical evolution from the Renaissance thinkers like Erasmus to Hobbes, and how it informs modern discourse. Delve into the balance between toleration and civil disagreement, and learn why civility remains crucial in navigating diverse opinions today, while also reflecting on its historical misuse in society.
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INSIGHT

Civility as Minimal Courtesy

  • Civility is the minimal courtesy needed to enable disagreement without insult.
  • It enables us to interact with those we disagree with, like neighbors or political opponents, without hostility.
INSIGHT

Civility's Roots in Citizenship

  • Civility originated from the Latin 'civilitas' tied to good citizenship and governance.
  • It contrasts with barbarism, defining the civil as antithetical to the uncivil savage or outsider.
ANECDOTE

Erasmus' Guide to Civility

  • Erasmus wrote 'On the Civility of Children' teaching basic good manners to tame brutish impulses.
  • His guide showed how civility was essential in a hierarchical society and social interactions.
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