Hello - here is the proposed replacement of the first two paragraphs in the article Bohm Dialogue. The online group was dissatisfied with the phrase "existing form of free association", which prompted the change. Am looking forward to comments.
"Bohm Dialogue” or “Bohmian Dialogue” is a freely-flowing group conversation that may well be one of the most effective ways of investigating the crises that face society, and indeed the whole of human nature and consciousness. Twenty to forty participants sit in a circle, for a few hours during regular meetings, or for a few days in a workshop environment. This is done with no predefined purpose in mind other than that of inquiring into the movement of thought, and exploring the process of “thinking together” collectively. This activity can allow group participants to examine their preconceptions and prejudices, as well as to explore the more general movement of thought. Bohm’s intention regarding the suggested minimum number of participants was to replicate a social/cultural dynamic (rather than a family dynamic). This form of dialogue seeks to enable an awareness of why communicating in the verbal sphere is so much more difficult and conflict-ridden than in all other areas of human activity and endeavor.
Participants in the Bohmian form of dialogue "suspend" their beliefs, opinions, impulses, and judgments while speaking together, in order to see the movement of the group’s thought processes and what their effects may be. According to Dialogue a Proposal [Bohm, Factor, Garrett], this kind of dialogue should not be confused with discussion or debate, both of which, says Bohm, suggest working towards a goal or reaching a decision, rather than simply exploring and learning. Meeting without an agenda or fixed objective is done to create a “free space” for something new to happen.
“. . . it may turn out that such a form of free exchange of ideas and information is of fundamental relevance for transforming culture and freeing it of destructive misinformation, so that creativity can be liberated." David Bohm
Ahalani (talk) 16:28, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
Post this in the talk page for this article ..Bohm Dialogue....Buzzzsherman (talk) 18:56, 22 January 2010 (UTC)