It was quite common, when I was growing up in India, during the 50's and 60's to gather around in a porch or veranda, and have open discussions. The only rule was civility. The discussions were on various topics such as science and politics. Convincing others of your opinion was not the goal; we were all informed better. In other words, it was an exchange of knowledge and wisdom. People of all ages engaged in these discussions. Of course, it is easier to sit on a porch in a tropical country or during summers. Sadly, in the USA, 'porching' as you call it has become rare. In Vienna, Godel, Wittgenstein, Hilbert and others would get together in a Cafe and discuss Philosophy and Mathematics. My generation knew civility. I am glad you are trying to revive it in the present generation.
I like your optimistic take, look forward to the book. We should be due for an upswing in civic participation, as Putnam notes in his new work (http://robertdputnam.com/the-upswing/).
It was quite common, when I was growing up in India, during the 50's and 60's to gather around in a porch or veranda, and have open discussions. The only rule was civility. The discussions were on various topics such as science and politics. Convincing others of your opinion was not the goal; we were all informed better. In other words, it was an exchange of knowledge and wisdom. People of all ages engaged in these discussions. Of course, it is easier to sit on a porch in a tropical country or during summers. Sadly, in the USA, 'porching' as you call it has become rare. In Vienna, Godel, Wittgenstein, Hilbert and others would get together in a Cafe and discuss Philosophy and Mathematics. My generation knew civility. I am glad you are trying to revive it in the present generation.
I like your optimistic take, look forward to the book. We should be due for an upswing in civic participation, as Putnam notes in his new work (http://robertdputnam.com/the-upswing/).