Merlin & Teach Different to Co-Facilitate Workshop at Plato’s 7th Biennial Philosophy Conference in Boston
PLATO’S 7TH BIENNIAL PHILOSOPHY CONFERENCE
We’re delighted to announce that Merlin & Teach Different have been selected to co-facilitate a workshop called “Improving Civil Dialogue…One Conversation at a Time” at Plato’s upcoming philosophy conference at Tufts University in Medford, MA (Greater Boston area). Learn more about this year’s conference theme, our workshop, and PLATO below.
Workshop Co-Facilitators:
- Dan Fouts, Teach Different
- Mitch Conway, Merlin CCC
- Marisa Diaz-Waian, Merlin CCC
2025 Conference Theme: Philosophy and Civic Engagement
Recognizing that the highly-polarized nature of contemporary society has left many educators reluctant to discuss important but potentially controversial topics in classrooms and other communities, PLATO is excited to focus their upcoming conference on Philosophy and Civic Engagement. This theme reflects PLATO’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of our time by equipping educators with the tools they need to facilitate open, respectful, and productive dialogues about what are often contentious issues. Educators, students, and other scholars and community leaders will come together to share innovative ideas, best practices, and research findings that advance our understanding of the vital connection between philosophy and civic engagement.
About the workshop we’ll be co-facilitating
“Improving Civil Dialogue…One Conversation at a Time”
This workshop offers practical strategies to foster meaningful dialogue, cultivate civic engagement, and address/explore controversial topics constructively. Participants take part in multiple activities, including personal reflection, a guided conversation experience, and interactive discussions to customize and apply what they have learned. Details regarding each workshop segment are provided below.
SEGMENT 1: REFLECTION
Before the conversation experience, participants will be invited to reflect on challenges to civil discourse they face (or have observed) in their classrooms, household, workplace or community. In groups, participants will share personal experiences and insights to build a deeper collective understanding of the obstacles to improved civil dialogue.
SEGMENT 2: CONVERSATION
Participants will engage in a 40-minute conversation using the Teach Different method (developed by Teach Different). This method will center on a thought-provoking (and provocative) quote aligned to the importance of civic engagement and dialogue. The conversation experience will guide participants through identifying claims and counterclaims to the quote, exploring essential questions, and sharing personal stories that have bearing on the quote. Facilitators from Merlin CCC and Teach Different will facilitate and model strategies to build civic trust through inclusive and constructive dialogue.
SEGMENT 3: CUSTOMIZE
In the final segment, participants will reflect on their specific audiences and brainstorm practical ways to bring what they have learned into their home communities. Participants will receive a list of inspirational quotes to spark ideas for future conversations, along with access to valuable resources such as podcasts and other opportunities to extend their learning.
ABOUT PLAto
PLATO’s mission is to nurture young people’s curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions, through philosophy and ethics programs for students, educators, and families. Their innovative work serves thousands of students, teachers, and community members nationally and internationally, fostering analytic reasoning skills, self-confidence, and understanding of diverse viewpoints. PLATO was awarded a national award for excellence and innovation.
