PRECEPTS

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About Us On Dialog It's not just arguing! | Precepts Values, principles, precepts - these all are names for basic concepts we want to underlie our aims, our vision, and our actions in the world. Despite all the talk of 'family values' or even 'defending our way of life', American values as seen in our actions are sometimes disturbingly distant from the foundational principles we espouse. Meanwhile, partisan politics focus us on the differences between us rather than the values and beliefs we do share. For instance - can we agree on some basic values and principles that bridge political, cultural, and social divides? Can we agree, for instance, that integrity does matter? That truth and freedom are not just distant ideas we call on for grandstanding, but instead help define beneficial paths we can take into the future? That fairness is a fundamental value we can all support, not just an ideal to refer to? That accountability is necessary for our systems to work - to have real functionality - and in many ways many sectors of society are failing in that endeavor? That respect -for differences in opinion and perspective, for human life and for individual rights, and for the magnificent world around us- is the bottom line for a just society? These are some of the principles and values we at Global Dialog agree on. Our aim is to use these values, and others - such as cooperation and collaboraton - to build a solid foundation of shared understanding of the systems we live in. Only on such a foundation, one that takes a long-term perspective and a wide-angle view of connections and interdependencies, can truly wise decisions be made. Since the foundation itself must be shared to be of greatest value, our culture needs true dialog around important topics, in order to understand the many points of view and how they fit together. Currently, the more important the topic, the less available are spaces for real dialog on the topic - dialog that aims not to argue but to build a bigger picture. What can we agree on? What values are important to you? What principles do you operate by? And what principles must we stand by, if we are not to be hypocrites and destroyers of what is good in humankind? We want to know what you think! But please know that we are not interested in flamers, name-callers, and those who only want to talk but not to listen. If you disagree with what is discussed on these pages, we are happy to discuss their basis and assumptions. If you propose alternatives, we are happy to hear them - with the same proviso, that you too are willing to discuss the basis and assumptions of your beliefs and ideas, and to hear counterproposals. This is the agreement you make when you participate on this site, and we take it seriously. If you are looking for and longing for civil discourse that approaches the issues and problems of our world with innovative thinking, new concepts, and a re-thinking of the human situation, please participate and join us in a large-scale effort to understand our world and our choices in it. -The Editors