Can a philosophical approach among professionals improve and facilitate communication in Health Promotion interventions?

Can a philosophical approach among professionals improve and facilitate communication in Health Promotion interventions? Eva Robertson, Faculty of Professional studies, University of Nordland, Norway, eva-robertson@uin.no The predominant view of knowledge in modern science is rational and built on presumptions as hypothesis. Another aspect of knowledge is practical knowledge grounded in insights, and experiences. The insights include ‘a response capability’, ability listen to others voices, to respond, and to reflect upon challenges. This knowledge is situated and bodily connected. The world is polyphonic and consists of many opinions, but we are being overwhelmed by a few, particularly the voices of the experts and the dominating media. This dominance leads to the exclusion of many voices, and the polyphonic nature is getting lost. A different approach can utilize the polyphonic world instead of repressing it. The different voices are not pure cognitive procedures. Rather, they are something we live, feel and recognize in our bodies with all senses in relation to other persons in different socio‐cultural contexts. A philosophical approach could be an invitation to use the polyphony in a dialogical communication. This includes respectful listening, recognition for what all voices bring to the meeting, and to not be sidetracked in their own narrative. To allow people to have an impact and opinion on their own challenges in their lives is to recognize their personal value in particular and human rights in general. Keywords: health promotion professionals, communication, philosophical approach, practical knowledge