The Power of Scientific Thinking in a Polarized World

KEY POINTS:

• In today’s polarized society, conversations on so many topics often end up being debates, arguments, and politicized.
• By contrast, scientific thinking is designed to facilitate conversations on contentious topics to foster understanding.
• Students learn that the scientific thinking approach to contentious topics is a prerequisite for productive conversations.
• The scientific thinking approach transforms polarizing views on diversity and social justice issues into mutual exploration and open dialogue.