Case #1 – Seizures

⸺

  • “In many ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, seizures were often attributed to supernatural causes, such as possession by demons or punishment by the gods.“ This highlights the ancient belief systems and their impact on understanding seizures.
  • “The discovery of neurotransmitters and the development of neurochemical techniques allowed scientists to begin understanding how imbalances in brain chemistry could contribute to seizures.“ This highlights the neurochemical breakthroughs in seizure research.
  • “Being comfortable with uncertainty encourages a more nuanced understanding of issues, reducing dogmatism and fostering a culture where people are more likely to listen to and learn from each other.“ This statement underscores the advantages of intellectual humility and openness to learning in the context of medical and scientific understanding.
  • “This empirical evidence was crucial in persuading both the medical community and the public to revise their beliefs.“ This quote highlights the importance of empirical evidence in changing public and scientific opinion about seizures.

Table of Contents: (Click any link below to navigate to that section.)

  1. Seizures were once thought to be caused by demons or evil spirits. Explain the historical progression from the attribution of this supernatural cause to the public’s acceptance that seizures are caused by neuronal anomalies.
    1. From Demons to Neurons: A Historical Journey of Understanding Seizures
  2. While introducing the new explanation that the brain could be the cause of seizures created doubt about the widely-accepted supernatural explanation, it was not until experiments demonstrated that neuronal treatments directly reduced seizures that the new explanation was slowly accepted. Elaborate on the human psychology behind this.
  3. It appears that the ability to refrain from jumping to a dogmatic conclusion would benefit humanity. Discuss the advantage of being comfortable with saying “I don’t know.”
  4. Create a 10-item quiz on the discussion above.
    1. Quiz
    2. Answers
    3. Quiz: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”
    4. Answers
  5. Provide 15 discussion questions relevant to the content above.
    1. Discussion Questions: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”

Seizures were once thought to be caused by demons or evil spirits. Explain the historical progression from the attribution of this supernatural cause to the public’s acceptance that seizures are caused by neuronal anomalies.

The understanding of seizures has evolved significantly from ancient beliefs to our current scientific perspective. Here’s a step-by-step timeline highlighting the major shifts from attributing seizures to supernatural causes to the modern understanding of their basis in neuronal anomalies:

  1. Ancient Beliefs (Pre-400 BCE): In many ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, seizures were often attributed to supernatural causes, such as possession by demons or punishment by the gods. The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical document, refers to epilepsy as the “falling disease,” hinting at a physical cause but still steeped in spiritual connotations.
  2. Hippocratic Foundation (400 BCE): The significant shift came with Hippocrates, the Greek physician, who in his work “On the Sacred Disease” argued that epilepsy was not more divine or sacred than other diseases but rather had a natural cause in the brain. This was one of the earliest suggestions that seizures could be understood through natural phenomena rather than supernatural explanations.
  3. Middle Ages (500-1500 AD): During the Middle Ages, the belief in supernatural causes of seizures re-emerged strongly, with epilepsy being commonly referred to as the “Morbus Daemoniacus” (demoniac disease). However, some physicians and scholars of the time still sought natural explanations.
  4. Renaissance to Enlightenment (1500-1800): The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods saw a renewed interest in scientific explanations and empirical observation. This era’s thinkers, including Paracelsus and Thomas Willis, began to further challenge the idea of supernatural causes for diseases, including seizures, though comprehensive understanding was still lacking.
  5. 19th Century: This century marked a turning point in the study of seizures, thanks to advances in medicine and neurology. Jean-Martin Charcot and others used clinical observation to classify different types of seizures and speculated about their origins in the brain.
  6. Electrophysiological Advances (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): The development of the electroencephalogram (EEG) by Hans Berger in 1924 revolutionized the study of seizures. For the first time, it was possible to record electrical activity in the brain, providing a direct window into the neuronal anomalies associated with seizures.
  7. Neurochemical Studies (Mid-20th Century): The discovery of neurotransmitters and the development of neurochemical techniques allowed scientists to begin understanding how imbalances in brain chemistry could contribute to seizures. Research into drugs that could correct these imbalances led to the first effective anti-epileptic medications.
  8. Modern Neuroscience (Late 20th – 21st Century): Advances in neuroimaging technologies, such as MRI and PET scans, have enabled detailed studies of brain structure and function, further elucidating the mechanisms behind seizures. Genetic research has also identified specific mutations associated with certain types of epilepsy, highlighting the complex interplay of genetics, brain structure, and function in the causation of seizures.
  9. Public and Scientific Acceptance: The journey from supernatural to scientific explanations for seizures reflects broader trends in the evolution of medical knowledge and the public’s acceptance of scientific explanations for health and disease. Today, seizures are understood as manifestations of diverse neurological conditions that can often be managed or treated, though challenges remain in completely understanding and treating all types of epilepsy.

This timeline underscores the gradual shift from mystical to scientific explanations, a journey marked by the interplay of cultural beliefs, scientific curiosity, and technological advancements that have progressively peeled back the layers of this complex neurological phenomenon.

From Demons to Neurons: A Historical Journey of Understanding Seizures

Here’s a breakdown of the progression in attributing seizures to their neurological cause:

Early Beliefs (Before 18th Century):

  • Supernatural Attribution: Seizures were widely believed to be caused by demonic possession, divine punishment, or the influence of evil spirits. This belief stemmed from the dramatic and uncontrollable nature of seizures.

Shifting Perspectives (18th – 19th Centuries):

  • Anatomical Observations: Physicians began dissecting brains, searching for physical abnormalities linked to seizures. Some noted brain lesions associated with epilepsy, hinting at a physical cause.
  • The “Electrical Organ” Hypothesis: Luigi Galvani’s experiments with electricity on frogs’ legs in the 18th century led to the idea that seizures might be caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The Dawn of Modern Understanding (19th – 20th Centuries):

  • Localization of Function: Studies by Broca and Fritsch in the 19th century mapped specific brain regions to functions. This led to the concept of focal seizures originating from specific brain areas.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG): Hans Berger’s invention of the EEG in the 1920s allowed for the recording of electrical activity in the brain. Abnormal electrical patterns during seizures provided concrete evidence of their neurological basis.

20th Century and Beyond:

  • Brain Imaging: The development of X-rays, CT scans, and later, MRI scans in the 20th century allowed for detailed visualization of brain structures. These technologies helped pinpoint abnormalities like tumors or malformations associated with seizures.
  • Epilepsy Classification: As scientific understanding grew, different types of seizures were classified based on their origin and symptoms. This facilitated targeted treatment approaches.

Public Acceptance:

  • Education and Awareness: The medical community actively disseminated information about the neurological basis of seizures. Epilepsy organizations played a crucial role in educating the public and dispelling myths.

The Takeaway:

The shift from supernatural explanations to the current understanding of seizures was a gradual process. While some cultures still hold onto older beliefs, scientific advancements like the EEG and brain imaging have played a central role in establishing the neurological basis of seizures. Public education continues to be crucial in dispelling myths and ensuring people with epilepsy receive proper care.

While introducing the new explanation that the brain could be the cause of seizures created doubt about the widely-accepted supernatural explanation, it was not until experiments demonstrated that neuronal treatments directly reduced seizures that the new explanation was slowly accepted. Elaborate on the human psychology behind this.

The human psychology behind the gradual acceptance of the brain-based explanation for seizures, over supernatural ones, is deeply rooted in how humans process information, evaluate evidence, and undergo shifts in belief systems. This transition is a prime example of several psychological phenomena at play, including cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, the role of empirical evidence in belief revision, and the influence of authority and tradition in shaping beliefs.

  1. Cognitive Dissonance: This theory suggests that people experience discomfort when holding two conflicting beliefs simultaneously. For centuries, seizures were attributed to supernatural causes, deeply intertwined with cultural and religious beliefs. The introduction of a naturalistic explanation—that seizures originate in the brain—created a conflict with existing beliefs. Accepting this new explanation required individuals to resolve this dissonance, often a gradual process involving reevaluation of old beliefs in light of new evidence.
  2. Confirmation Bias: People tend to favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs while dismissing information that contradicts them. Initially, the idea that seizures were caused by brain anomalies may have been met with skepticism because it contradicted the widely accepted supernatural explanation. It would have been easier for individuals to dismiss early evidence of a brain-based cause than to reassess deeply held beliefs.
  3. Empirical Evidence and Belief Revision: The role of empirical evidence in changing minds cannot be overstated. Human psychology is such that seeing (or in this case, experiencing) is believing. Early experiments and treatments that directly targeted the brain and reduced seizures provided concrete evidence that contradicted supernatural explanations. This empirical evidence was crucial in persuading both the medical community and the public to revise their beliefs. Over time, as treatments targeting neuronal anomalies proved consistently effective, the new explanation gained credibility.
  4. Authority and Tradition: The acceptance of new scientific explanations is also influenced by authority figures and tradition. In many cultures, religious and spiritual leaders held significant sway over the understanding of natural phenomena, including diseases. As noted figures in the emerging field of neurology began to advocate for the brain-based explanation of seizures, their authority helped to shift public opinion. However, the influence of tradition meant that this shift was slow, requiring the accumulation of evidence and the endorsement of multiple authoritative figures over time.
  5. Social Proof and Incremental Acceptance: Human psychology is also influenced by social proof, the phenomenon where individuals copy the actions of others in an attempt to undertake behavior in a given situation. As more people accepted the brain-based explanation for seizures, others followed, leading to a gradual societal shift in belief. This incremental acceptance underscores the social nature of belief systems and how community norms and values evolve over time.
  6. The Need for Understanding and Control: Finally, the human desire to understand and control our environment plays a significant role in how new explanations are received. The supernatural explanation for seizures left individuals feeling powerless, whereas the brain-based explanation offered potential for control and treatment. This desire for control and understanding likely fueled the openness to new explanations, particularly as they proved to be effective in managing and treating seizures.

In summary, the shift from supernatural to brain-based explanations for seizures illustrates the complex interplay of psychological factors that govern how humans accept new information and revise long-held beliefs. It highlights the gradual nature of belief change, influenced by evidence, authority, social dynamics, and the innate human desire for understanding and control.

You’re absolutely right. The human brain is wired to be cautious about accepting new information, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs. Here’s how psychology explains the resistance to the new explanation of seizures and the importance of evidence-based treatments:

Cognitive Dissonance:

  • When presented with a new explanation that contradicts existing beliefs (supernatural causes of seizures), people experience cognitive dissonance – a mental discomfort arising from holding conflicting ideas. To reduce this discomfort, several strategies come into play:
    • Rejection: The new explanation (brain cause) might be rejected outright, clinging to the familiar (supernatural cause).
    • Rationalization: People might try to reconcile the two ideas, perhaps attributing demonic possession to an influence on the brain.
  • This explains why simply proposing a new explanation wasn’t enough for immediate public acceptance.

Need for Evidence:

  • Humans are naturally drawn to evidence-based explanations. Seeing the direct impact of neuronal treatments on reducing seizures provided concrete proof that the brain, not demons, played a role.
    • Cause and Effect: Witnessing a clear cause-and-effect relationship (treatment affecting seizures) strengthens the new explanation.
    • Personal Connection: Real-life success stories of people with reduced seizures due to treatments further bolstered public trust in the new model.

Confirmation Bias:

  • Our brains tend to seek out information that confirms existing beliefs.
    • Supernatural Explanations: Those who believed in the supernatural might have dismissed evidence supporting the neurological cause.
    • Neuronal Explanations: Conversely, witnessing successful treatments reinforced the belief in the brain-based explanation.

Social Proof:

  • People are also influenced by the beliefs of others, especially trusted sources.
    • Medical Community: As the medical community increasingly endorsed the neurological understanding of seizures, public trust in this explanation grew.
    • Epilepsy Organizations: Peer support groups and advocacy groups promoting the new explanation likely played a role in influencing public opinion.

The takeaway:

The shift in public perception was driven by a combination of factors. While the new explanation challenged existing beliefs, witnessing the tangible results of neuronal treatments helped overcome cognitive dissonance and establish the new model in the public mind.

It appears that the ability to refrain from jumping to a dogmatic conclusion would benefit humanity. Discuss the advantage of being comfortable with saying “I don’t know.”

The ability to comfortably say “I don’t know” is a valuable intellectual virtue that promotes humility, encourages open-mindedness, and fosters a culture of inquiry and continuous learning. This stance, especially in the context of complex issues where evidence may be incomplete or evolving, has numerous advantages for both individuals and society as a whole:

  1. Promotes Scientific Inquiry and Innovation: Admitting ignorance is the first step toward discovery. In science, acknowledging what is not known motivates researchers to explore, experiment, and expand the boundaries of human knowledge. This openness is essential for scientific progress and innovation, as it encourages curiosity and the pursuit of new ideas.
  2. Encourages Humility and Open-mindedness: Recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge fosters humility and open-mindedness. In an era marked by information overload, acknowledging that one cannot know everything is a grounding realization that can promote more respectful, open, and productive discussions, particularly on contentious or complex issues.
  3. Reduces Dogmatism and Polarization: In societal debates, the pressure to take a definitive stance on issues can lead to polarized positions, where the complexities of a situation are ignored in favor of simplistic narratives. Being comfortable with uncertainty encourages a more nuanced understanding of issues, reducing dogmatism and fostering a culture where people are more likely to listen to and learn from each other.
  4. Improves Decision-making: In the face of uncertainty, saying “I don’t know” can lead to better decision-making by prompting individuals to seek additional information, consider a wider range of options, and weigh the potential consequences more carefully before acting. This can be particularly valuable in complex or high-stakes situations where premature decisions can have significant implications.
  5. Enhances Education and Learning: An educational environment where teachers and students can openly admit to not knowing offers a more authentic and effective learning experience. It models the value of lifelong learning, encourages curiosity, and demonstrates that knowledge is not static but constantly evolving. This approach can stimulate critical thinking and the development of problem-solving skills.
  6. Fosters Psychological Well-being: Embracing uncertainty can reduce the anxiety associated with the need for certainty and control. Understanding that it is acceptable not to have all the answers can alleviate the pressure to appear infallible, promoting psychological well-being and reducing the stress associated with the pursuit of perfection.
  7. Builds Trust and Authentic Communication: Individuals and leaders who are willing to admit their limitations are often perceived as more trustworthy and relatable. This honesty can build stronger relationships, whether in personal interactions, professional settings, or between public figures and communities. Authentic communication encourages a more informed and engaged citizenry.
  8. Facilitates Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Complex problems often require interdisciplinary solutions. Admitting ignorance in one’s field can open the door to collaboration with experts in other areas, fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships that combine diverse perspectives and expertise to address multifaceted challenges.

In summary, being comfortable with saying “I don’t know” is a strength that encourages humility, fosters continuous learning, and promotes a more thoughtful, open, and collaborative approach to understanding the world. It reflects a mature engagement with the complexity of life and the ever-expanding frontiers of human knowledge.

You’re absolutely right. The ability to be comfortable with “I don’t know” offers a multitude of advantages for individuals and society as a whole. Here’s why:

  • Promotes Openness to Learning: Saying “I don’t know” acknowledges the limitations of our current knowledge and opens the door to exploration and discovery. It allows us to seek out new information and challenge existing assumptions, fostering intellectual growth.
  • Reduces Confirmation Bias: Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but it can also push us to be more objective in our information gathering. When we admit we don’t know something, we’re less likely to selectively seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs.
  • Improves Decision-Making: Jumping to conclusions can lead to poor choices. Acknowledging the lack of complete knowledge allows for a more thorough evaluation of options and a more informed decision.
  • Builds Trust: Being honest about what we don’t know fosters trust and credibility. People appreciate authenticity and the willingness to admit we’re still learning.
  • Encourages Collaboration: Admitting we don’t have all the answers creates space for collaboration. By acknowledging our limitations, we can tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of others, leading to better solutions.
  • Strengthens Critical Thinking: “I don’t know” is the starting point for critical thinking. It compels us to ask questions, analyze evidence, and form well-reasoned conclusions rather than accepting information at face value.

Overall, the ability to be comfortable with “I don’t know” fosters a culture of intellectual humility, curiosity, and continuous learning. It allows us to make better decisions, build trust, and ultimately, contribute to a more informed and adaptable society.

Create a 10-item quiz on the discussion above.

Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive quiz based on our discussion regarding the evolution of understanding seizures from supernatural causes to neuronal anomalies and the value of embracing “I don’t know” in fostering a culture of inquiry, humility, and open-mindedness.

Quiz

  1. In ancient times, what were seizures often attributed to?
  2. Who argued that epilepsy was not more divine than other diseases and had natural causes?
  3. What did the development of the EEG revolutionize?
  4. Which century marked a turning point in the study of seizures, thanks to advances in medicine and neurology?
  5. How does admitting “I don’t know” promote scientific inquiry?
  6. How does acknowledging one’s own ignorance encourage humility and open-mindedness?
  7. How can saying “I don’t know” lead to better decision-making?
  8. What effect does embracing uncertainty have on an individual’s psychological well-being?
  9. How is the perception of trustworthiness related to admitting ignorance?
  10. Why is being comfortable with saying “I don’t know” beneficial for interdisciplinary collaboration?

Answers

  1. Supernatural causes, such as possession by demons or punishment by the gods.
  2. Hippocrates.
  3. The study of seizures by allowing the recording of electrical activity in the brain.
  4. The 19th century.
  5. It motivates researchers to explore, experiment, and expand the boundaries of human knowledge.
  6. It reduces dogmatism and fosters a culture where people are more likely to listen to and learn from each other.
  7. It prompts individuals to seek additional information, consider a wider range of options, and weigh the potential consequences more carefully.
  8. It reduces the anxiety associated with the need for certainty and control.
  9. Individuals who admit their limitations are often perceived as more trustworthy.
  10. It opens the door to collaboration with experts in other areas, fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships.

Quiz: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”

This quiz tests your understanding of the historical shift in understanding seizures and the benefits of acknowledging the limitations of our knowledge. Choose the best answer for each question.

  1. According to the passage, what was the widely held belief about the cause of seizures before the 18th century?
  2. What discovery in the 19th century helped to localize the origin of some seizures?
  3. How did the invention of the EEG contribute to the understanding of seizures?
  4. What is the main reason why people were initially hesitant to accept the neurological explanation for seizures?
  5. The passage mentions “cognitive dissonance.” What does this term describe?
  6. In the context of seizures, how did witnessing successful seizure treatments impact public perception of the new explanation?
  7. Why might someone be uncomfortable admitting they don’t know something?
  8. According to the passage, what is one advantage of collaboration?
  9. Which of the following best captures the main point of the section on the psychology of accepting new explanations?
  10. From the entire thread, what can we infer about the importance of evidence-based explanations?

Answers

  1. (c) Demonic possession, divine punishment, or the influence of evil spirits
  2. (c) Studies by Broca and Fritsch mapping brain functions
  3. (b) It provided evidence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain during seizures.
  4. (a) It challenged existing beliefs about the supernatural cause.
  5. (c) A mental discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs
  6. (b) It provided concrete evidence that the new explanation (brain cause) was effective.
  7. (d) Because it can feel uncomfortable or make us seem less intelligent.
  8. (c) It allows us to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of others.
  9. (c) People are more likely to accept new explanations when they are supported by evidence.
  10. (a) Evidence-based explanations are crucial for overcoming resistance to new ideas and building public trust.

Provide 15 discussion questions relevant to the content above.

  1. How did ancient civilizations’ belief in supernatural causes for seizures influence their treatment methods?
  2. In what ways did Hippocrates’ views on epilepsy challenge the prevailing beliefs of his time?
  3. Discuss the impact of the electroencephalogram (EEG) on the diagnosis and understanding of seizures.
  4. How did the 19th century advancements in medicine contribute to the shift in perception of seizures from a supernatural phenomenon to a medical condition?
  5. What role does admitting “I don’t know” play in the process of scientific discovery, particularly in the field of neurology?
  6. How can the principle of “I don’t know” be applied to reduce dogmatism and polarization in societal debates on medical issues?
  7. In what ways does acknowledging ignorance foster a more authentic and effective learning environment in the context of medical education?
  8. How can embracing uncertainty and the willingness to say “I don’t know” improve patient care in the medical field?
  9. Discuss the psychological benefits for healthcare professionals in acknowledging the limits of their knowledge.
  10. How does the perception of trustworthiness in medical professionals change when they openly admit uncertainties in diagnosis or treatment?
  11. How can interdisciplinary collaboration be enhanced by the willingness to admit what is not known in the field of epilepsy research?
  12. What are the potential consequences of a healthcare system that discourages admitting ignorance among professionals?
  13. How did the development of anti-epileptic medications reflect a shift in understanding the causes of seizures?
  14. Discuss the role of genetic research in advancing our understanding of seizures and epilepsy.
  15. How can the history of understanding seizures from supernatural to scientific explanations inform current approaches to addressing unresolved medical mysteries?

Discussion Questions: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”

  1. Shifting Beliefs: How did cultural and scientific advancements in the 18th and 19th centuries contribute to the changing understanding of seizures?
  2. The Power of Technology: Discuss the role of specific technologies like the EEG and brain imaging in revolutionizing the study of seizures.
  3. Public Perception: How can the historical shift in understanding seizures inform strategies for educating the public about new scientific discoveries?
  4. Beyond Seizures: Are there other historical examples where scientific advancements challenged pre-existing beliefs about illnesses or natural phenomena?
  5. Cognitive Dissonance in Action: Can you think of a personal experience where you encountered cognitive dissonance due to new information? How did you overcome it?
  6. The Importance of Evidence: Why is it essential for scientific explanations to be grounded in evidence? How can confirmation bias hinder our ability to evaluate evidence objectively?
  7. The Limits of Knowledge: In your opinion, why is it important to be comfortable admitting we don’t have all the answers?
  8. The Value of Collaboration: How can collaboration between scientists, doctors, and patients accelerate scientific progress and improve treatments?
  9. The Power of Storytelling: How can personal stories of individuals living with epilepsy be used to build trust and understanding?
  10. Ethical Considerations: As scientific understanding of the brain expands, what are some potential ethical considerations we should keep in mind?
  11. Openness to Change: How can we promote a culture of intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas in our communities?
  12. Misinformation and Trust: How can we combat misinformation about medical conditions and ensure the public has access to reliable information?
  13. Global Perspectives: Are there cultural differences in how people view and treat epilepsy? How can we ensure equitable access to advancements in epilepsy treatment globally?
  14. The Future of Epilepsy Research: What are some promising areas of research in the field of epilepsy? How might these advancements improve the lives of people living with the condition?
  15. Beyond Medicine: How can a historical understanding of epilepsy help to combat stigma and discrimination faced by people with neurological disorders?

Table of Contents: (Click any link below to navigate to that section.)

  1. Seizures were once thought to be caused by demons or evil spirits. Explain the historical progression from the attribution of this supernatural cause to the public’s acceptance that seizures are caused by neuronal anomalies.
    1. From Demons to Neurons: A Historical Journey of Understanding Seizures
  2. While introducing the new explanation that the brain could be the cause of seizures created doubt about the widely-accepted supernatural explanation, it was not until experiments demonstrated that neuronal treatments directly reduced seizures that the new explanation was slowly accepted. Elaborate on the human psychology behind this.
  3. It appears that the ability to refrain from jumping to a dogmatic conclusion would benefit humanity. Discuss the advantage of being comfortable with saying “I don’t know.”
  4. Create a 10-item quiz on the discussion above.
    1. Quiz
    2. Answers
    3. Quiz: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”
    4. Answers
  5. Provide 15 discussion questions relevant to the content above.
    1. Discussion Questions: From Demons to Neurons and the Power of “I Don’t Know”

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Phil Stilwell

Phil picked up a BA in Philosophy a couple of decades ago. He occasionally teaches philosophy and critical thinking courses in university and industry. He is joined here by ChatGPT 4, GEMINI, CLAUDE, and occasionally Copilot, his far more intelligent AI friends. The five of them discuss and debate a wide variety of philosophical topics I think you’ll enjoy.

Phil curates the content and guides the discussion, primarily through questions. At times there are disagreements, and you may find the banter interesting.

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