This 4-page article riffs on comments at a program at the recent ABA Section of Dispute Resolution conference to illustrate how oxymoronic the terms “facilitative,” “evaluative,” and “empowerment” have become. When people use these terms, we kinda, sorta, probably think we know what they mean. But we don’t really know. The article suggests ways that … Continue reading Oxymorons R Us
I was very touched by all the congratulations and the ceremony at the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution conference where I received the award for outstanding scholarly work. My good friend, Susan Yates, received the D’Alemberte Raven Award at the conference, and she gave these very thoughtful remarks. She described a series of “small” acts … Continue reading My Appreciation – Part 2
Because scholars have academic freedom, we can write about anything we want, without direction by deans or clients. So our choice of topics and perspectives is a good indicator of what we really care about. Over the years, I was struck by the eclectic mix of subjects that Elayne Greenberg wrote about. A common thread … Continue reading Appreciating Elayne Greenberg’s Scholarship
I share the feelings of sadness and loss because of Elayne Greenberg’s death that people described on the DRLE and NYC-DR listservs. I don’t have a lot of words to add to the eloquent things that others have said. She was a truly decent person who cared about others and worked hard to make the … Continue reading Remembering Elayne
Who knew that humor theory was a thing? Philosophical theory, no less. I sure didn’t. Not until I took Audible’s “Great Course,” Take My Course, Please! The Philosophy of Humor, taught by Gettysburg College Philosophy Professor Steven Gimbel. When I stopped teaching courses, it left a lotta empty time on my hands. So I decided … Continue reading Humor Theory and Dispute Resolution
Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman died on March 27. He and his colleague, Amos Tversky, published foundational studies in behavioral economics demonstrating that people inevitably have numerous cognitive biases. They upended dominant theories that people simply act rationally to carefully maximize their self-interest. In our dispute resolution field, we rely on their insights to help people … Continue reading Daniel Kahneman
I am very honored to receive the ABA Dispute Resolution Section’s award for outstanding scholarly work this year – and all the congratulations from friends and colleagues in our field. It is particularly flattering considering the great number of folks in our community who deserve recognition for their valuable scholarship and other important work. This … Continue reading My Appreciation – Part 1
“The Washington Supreme Court has adopted alternative pathways to a law license, becoming the second state to do so in a little more than four months,” according to this ABA Journal article. The Court approved three ways to bypass a bar exam in Washington state, with different standards for law school graduates, law students and … Continue reading Washington State Follows Oregon and Wisconsin by Approving Alternatives to Bar Exam
When Someone You Love Is Upset, Ask This One Question, writes New York Times “wellness columnist” Jancee Dunn. It’s a helpful question for almost anyone – including colleagues, students, and clients – even if you don’t love them. This question can give people a sense of control, which they may really appreciate, especially when they … Continue reading Do You Want to Be Helped, Heard or Hugged?
The New York Times published an encouraging article, Gratitude Really Is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows. Here are some excerpts. Giving, receiving and even witnessing gratitude can improve your well-being, especially during difficult times. . . . To date, numerous studies have found that having a grateful outlook, “counting one’s blessings” and … Continue reading Gratitude Really Is Good for You
