Dialogue and an advocate of dialogue - Dirkie Smit on dialogue

Abstract

The essay explores Smit’s thoughts on dialogue. In the first instance, the essay reflects on Smit’s conviction on the need for dialogue in all human endeavours. Secondly, it explores Smit’s (together with Leon Fouche) analysis of four dominant discussants on dialogue, namely Hans-Georg Gadamer, Jacques Derrida, Richard Rorty and Jurgen Habermas. What the essay sees as Smit’s own idea of dialogue in relation to the four discussants is stated in the concluding part of the essay.