Dealing with Disagreements to Make a Positive Difference

“We will all be better off if we get the psychology of disagreements and debate right, and not just the politics of it”, said Professor David Chan, at the SMU Behavioural Sciences Initiative Conference themed “Dealing with Disagreements” on 1 December 2021. Speaking to participants from academia and the public, private, and people sectors, he noted that different stakeholders such as the government, academics, journalists, and civil society advocates all have important roles in society, and therefore need to develop mutual respect and trust. Everyone can deal with disagreements better if they learn to focus on the three Ts of “truth, tact, and treatment”.