ABSTRACT
Democracy cannot function without opposition, nor can inner democracy. Opposition is a movement from one I-position to an opposing one. And, just as in a democracy at large, we see the same processes occurring in inner democracy: After opposition, we look for cooperation and solutions, and how to bridge those different viewpoints and opinions. Bridging or depolarizing opposing points of view can become especially difficult because they become part of our group identity: Us against them; our opinions and our ideology against theirs. Empathy is the capacity to assume the position of another person, not only in their point of view, but also in their feelings or even with an active component. Contrary to debate, a dialogue is not meant to merely put forward contrasting views, but is essential for trying to come to an understanding with other people. Speaking and listening serve to achieve understanding and can lead to further development of different and common points of view.
