Me: [Describes my assignment this term. It concerns a current supreme court case.]
Him: Wow, they’re teaching you real ideas! That’s something. That’s how you make something of yourself in your field. What do you think about that?
Me: Uh? Regarding my brief or something else? My brief was just assigned. I haven’t started researching it yet.
Him: No, that they’re teaching you real ideas. Do you have an opinion on that?
Me: um, no? I like the assignment. It seems interesting.
Him: That’s not good. You should have a take on that. If people don’t believe in what you’re saying, you won’t be worth anything. You need to have a take and be able to argue for it, because that’s what your field is paid to do.
Me: Well, no, the law applies to you whether you believe in it or not-
Him: No, it doesn’t! Those systems were set up by globalists and Trump destroyed all of that. It’s all worthless now. You need to convince people to believe in good ideas that make society better.
It’s a method for helping people explore their beliefs, understand the foundations of their reasoning, and inspire critical reflection.
SE isn’t about debate or winning arguments; it’s about meaningful exchanges that usually end with gratitude and contemplation. By asking the right questions, Street Epistemology helps uncover the reasoning behind our beliefs, resulting in the kind of reflection that can lead to real change.
Step 1: Build and Establish Genuine Rapport
Step 2: Identify a Specific Claim to Explore
Step 3: Gauge Confidence
Step 4: Explore Reasons
Step 5: Examine Quality of Reasoning
Source
Step one might already be a bit of an obstacle.
Never said it was easy. You have to set your own emotions and opinions aside, and that’s why most people can’t have SE-style conversations. If you’re able to approach another human being with a friendly, open attitude, they’ll feel more willing to have an interesting conversation with you. It needs to feel like a safe space, without judgement, no matter how messed up their opinions might be.