Conflict - Repeat of 15 July

Conflict

Please note: This is a repeat of the discussion topic from 15 July 2025. The late posting of the topic then and possibly the weather meant that many Deep Thinkers were deprived of the opportunity to discuss the topic the first time around, so this is your second chance!

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Throughout existence, one of the few constants has been the existence of conflict in one form or another. Be it the formation of matter, the rise and fall of empires or the relative merits of a flat white or a latte, conflict lies as a discordant undercurrent, imposing constraints and facilitating change - be that destruction or renewal. Let’s discuss the dynamics of conflict and how we might approach it in our everyday life.

Thoughts to prompt contemplation and discussion are:

• Is conflict inevitable?

• If so, what factors make it inevitable?

• If not, how has/can it be averted?

• Is conflict necessarily destructive? What processes/techniques/devices could be utilised to minimise the destructiveness of conflict when it arises?

• What different factors are engaged in inter-tribal and inter-personal conflict?

• Do any common threads run through all conflicts (e.g. material, institutional, inter-personal, internal, etc.)?

• What motivates us as individuals to avoid, embrace or create conflict in our lives?

• Does any given conflict necessarily reach resolution? Does the answer to that question simply depend on who answers (e.g. the victor declares victory), or is a more objective definition of resolution possible? What could that definition be?

• Do different aspects of life (e.g. professional, social, familial) require different approaches to conflict and if so, why?

• Could some conflict resolution principles be universally effective?

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CUSTOMS:

You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend.

Minimum spend of $10 at the cafe on food and/or drink. This enables us to have free use of their private room.

We meet UPSTAIRS at the Little Turkish Cafe.

Please arrive early to order food and/or drink before you join us. Several people arrive early and eat downstairs before the Meetup. You are welcome to join us.

Bring $1 to cover Meetup costs.

RSVP POLICY:

RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend.

Being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 12:30pm on Tuesday will be considered a 'No Show'.

Members with two 'No Shows' will be banned from attending further D&M Meetups.

This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out. Thanks for your cooperation.