Ep 47: Peter Coleman | Why complexity is critical to overcoming toxic polarization

My guest this week, Dr. Peter Coleman, is a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University, where among other things, he directs the Difficult Conversations Lab. He’s written several books on the topic of conflict, and his latest work is the focus of our conversation this week here on the show.

Peter’s new book is called The Way Out, How to Overcome Toxic Polarization.

Dr. Coleman has spent decades researching how we get ourselves into deeply divisive states, and more importantly, how we get ourselves out.

One thing is for sure, we’re never going to debate our way to agreement. This mock trial style of discourse aims to score points rather than resolve conflict, and as you’ll hear Dr. Coleman discuss, it’s far too simplistic.

Connect with Peter Coleman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PeterTColeman1, and learn more about his work and his new book at https://www.thewayoutofpolarization.com.