Thriving through Disagreement: How Science can Help

What allows to have difficult conversations constructively?

Now is a crucial time for humanity. We edge towards irreversible climate change. We face some of the greatest population displacements in recorded history. We encounter profoundly different visions over how we should live together and what we value.

If we want to hope to even begin to address these challenges we need to have difficult conversations about topics that matter deeply. Yet all too often such attempts at dialogue fail miserably. Sometimes we may even want to give up altogether. Turn on the news and you are flooded with news of ever-growing disagreements and conflict often erupting in violence.

What gets in the way? And why? What would allow us to have these conversations constructively?

I argue that as society, we need to learn to deal constructively with differences in viewpoints.

But how?

As a scientist, I wondered if science could help. I will survey some of the pitfalls science can help us become aware of. I will also draw an outline of concrete steps we can take to have better disagreements.

The ultimate hope is that this will help our societies thrive not in spite of, but because of our differences.

Dr. Floris Van Vugt, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Université de Montréal and the founder of the Human Connection Science Lab. Originally trained in mathematics and cognitive science, Floris explores how humans connect through music, language, and dialogue. His research blends neuroscience and social psychology to understand the mechanics of empathy and interpersonal communication. In his work on "thriving through disagreement," he investigates scientific frameworks to help individuals move past polarization and toward deeper mutual understanding and social integration.

To find out more about Floris' work, visit his lab website: https://www.connectionscience.org/

In a time marked by growing mental health pressures, uncertainty about the future of work, and increasing polarization, the Center for Human Flourishing lecture series equips students, faculty, staff, and community members with research-informed tools to move beyond coping toward flourishing.

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