Author: Muhammad Ali
Source: Dawn
Today, we live in a globalised and multicultural society. This society demands a paradigm of thinking which leads to appreciation of multiple perspectives. In this context, we can learn from the formative period in order to develop a culture of tolerance and acceptance of the plurality of views.
There is a need to re-examine our way of thinking and argument, which is mostly influenced by Hellenistic logic. This logic basically encourages debate and rejection instead of understanding and appreciation. Maltese thinker Dr Edward de Bono has called this way of argument “rock logic” based on the paradigm ‘I am right, you are wrong’, which leads to conflict and polarisation. Today, we require a “water logic” that encourages understanding of different perspectives through dialogue.
Categories: Asia, Interfaith tolerance, Intra-Religious Tolerance