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IIAS Global Education Over the Internet:
(The. International Institute for. Advanced Studies in Systems Research. and Cybernetics)

Panel: The Global Educational Network II

 Global Dialogue: Right to Listen/Freedom to Listen (PowerPoint Presentation)

Michael Purdy
Governors State University
University Park, IL USA 60466

One thing about building dialogue through educational networks (aside from language problems), is that listening is critical. We can have wonderful “push” technology and networked education but without critical listeners the effort falls short. There has been a wealth of study of the theory and practice of listening (as an integral aspect of communication) but there must also be an awareness of the freedom to listen and the right to listen (complementing freedom to speak and right to speak).

The freedom to listen implies the responsibility to be an educated listener ––the responsibility of the listener for becoming an effective listener, for educating her/himself (particularly about diverse cultures and the issues of global importance), and learning how to create harmony through understanding.

The right to listen implies the motivation to listen to diverse voices, even to seek out diverse voices and to work to appreciate their perspective on issues. However, the right to listen also implies an obligation of the media and of individuals and organizations to present and make available the diverse voices to be listened to. Without the perspectives of diverse voices we cannot learn about others and appreciate how they live the world.