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Civil discourse is the ability to engage in conversation with the intention of enhancing understanding, providing constructive dialogue and deliberation that is robust, honest, frank, and seeks to advance public and societal interest.

The basic rules of civil discourse are to be respectful and stick to the issues without engaging in personal attacks. Those within civil discussion use logic, persuasion, evidence, information and argumentation to make a point, defend a position, or refute opposition, and do so without attacking the other individual.