The Other Side
A Moderate's Manifesto on How to Disagree
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Publishing:14th Jan '27
£20.00
This title is due to be published on 14th January, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
John Corvino's The Other Side explains how, when, and why to engage with those you disagree with. An active participant in the debates over same-sex marriage for three decades, philosopher John Corvino built strong relationships, and even friendships, with many on the other side. In this urgent and thought-provoking book, Corvino draws lessons from that experience to make the case for how to better engage with those with whom we disagree. Corvino knows from his own lived experience that it is possible to move beyond the polarization and toxicity of the current moment, and The Other Side provides a roadmap of how we might do so. Covering a range of hotly contested topics such as cancel culture, free speech, and civility, The Other Side is an essential guide for how to argue productively with others in the culture wars. Corvino argues that if we want to communicate effectively, we need to pay attention to what people are hearing as much as what you are saying--although he acknowledges that it us much harder to "read the room" in the age of social media, where remarks can go viral and be ripped from context. He also identifies various conversation stoppers that can frustrate productive dialogue. What are the costs of political polarization? When and why should you engage with views you strongly believe to be false? What is the point of civility--and what are its limits? When, if ever, should persons be cancelled? What are the benefits-and dangers-of giving people the benefit of the doubt? With his characteristic combination of common sense, generosity, humor, and wit, Corvino not only brings nuance and insight to these vital questions but provides compelling and constructive answers.
02/02/2026
John Corvino is a nationally known proponent of gay marriage. I used to be an opponent. We had many debates, some of them intense, and I can tell you this: No one in the country is better at knowing how to disagree with someone while winning their respect and friendship. The strategies he offers in this book certainly worked with me. I highly recommend that you read it. Not just in order to be a better advocate, but also to be a better person. * David Blankenhorn, author of In Search of Braver Angels: Getting Along Better in Troubled Times *
What makes The Other Side such a timely and valuable must-read resource for activists today? John Corvino's skill at illustrating and explaining how to effectively engage those who are not yet or fully with you. The freedom to marry campaign is lifted up today as a model of persuasion and organizing for other causes and needed advocacy here in the US and worldwide, but that campaign's transformation of hearts and minds as well as the law didn't come out of nowhere. It was the product of strategy, inclusiveness, and a disciplined commitment to moving "the reachable, but not yet reached" and deploying the chief engine of change, conversation. These are the keys to the urgent work still upon us now as we are called to defend and reinvigorate liberal democracy in politics and daily life. The Other Side reminds us how to do it...and how to win. * Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry Founder *
A wise ethical philosopher, winning LGBT activist, and charismatic public communicator, John Corvino is a unique figure in America cultural life. As only he can-with examples ranging from Aristotle to a pie in the face-he shows how civility wins arguments and opens hearts, and why our country urgently needs more of it. Reading he Other Side has made me a better persuader and a better person, and it will do the same for you. * Jonathan Rauch, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge *
By taking us on a journey through the nature of polarization, the promise and problems of civility, and the structures that get in the way of productive dialogue, Corvino helps us battle the temptations of tribalism, signalling, likes, and arrogance to become people who disagree better. While it is easy to disagree, it's harder to do it right. In accessible and insightful ways, Corvino helps us to change course as he challenges us to stop being the problem, guard what we say and how we say it, practice charity and humility, and become radical moderates. The Other Side is a must-read for those who are serious about doing things differently. * Myisha Cherry, author of The Case for Rage: Why Anger is Essential to the Anti-Racist Struggle and Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How To Do Better *
ISBN: 9780197832356
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
224 pages