Advantages Of The Golden Rule

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The golden rule has served as a cornerstone of communication for millennia. The rule, which states to treat others as we would treat ourselves, encourages us to place our personal perspective and self-views into the communicative process. It targets our self-serving bias indicating our tendency to treat ourselves better than others. In theory, this bias prescribes that when acting through the golden rule, we will treat others the best way we can because we believe that treatment is what we, and by extension others, deserve. Although the golden rule has served as a time-tested method of communication, it is not a panacea. Like all communication methods, the golden rule has flaws and limitations which limit its effectiveness.
Critics of the …show more content…

Because we are forced to consider the differences in value systems between ourselves and others, we are brought to a greater understanding of one another. By using the Platinum rule as opposed to the golden rule, we place a greater emphasis on the other party in conflict negotiation. We are forced to learn about the other person’s culture and account for their personal values and beliefs. The platinum rule encourages us to have a greater sense of sympathy for the other person and to acknowledge perspective more than we would have otherwise. In addition, the Platinum rule encourages us to break down our own communicative barriers. Because we are forced to take the values and cultures of the other person into account, we are better able to move past the stereotypes which can blur our perception of …show more content…

The larger the divide between two people, the more difficult it becomes to develop an empathetic relationship. As a result, it is difficult to acknowledge the separation in values systems between the two parties. If there is an insular divide between two parties, the platinum rule can serve as an ideal way to bridge the divide. In addition, many of the problems associated with the platinum rule, most notably mind-reading, can be avoided by simply developing a forefront of open communication and asking how the other person would like to be treated

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