How Civility Works (original) (raw)

The research paper, "How Civility Works" by Keith J. Bybee, explores the concept of civility amidst growing concerns about rudeness and hostility in American public life. Bybee examines the historical and paradoxical relationship between civility and free speech, arguing that while civility may appear ineffective, its strengths lie in its weaknesses. The paper delineates the definition of civility, its competition with various forms of good manners, and the interplay between civility and free expression, ultimately suggesting that civility has a crucial role in fostering respectful communication.