Although the units in this activity put forward controversial questions for examination and discussion, there is no intention to reach an overall consensus at the conclusion, but - rather - to encourage an open dialogue and debate between the participants.

The methods used to explore the emerging issues are designed to offer ways of examining controversial issues, through fostering listening and analytical skills without sacrificing involvement.

Scrutinizing issues and studying them as recommended provide
opportunities for shaping individual and group identities.

The same process also makes it possible to address and tackle highly charged issues on a non-emotive, matter-of-fact, and intellectual level.

During analysis of the issues, it is absolutely legitimate to express emotions, but it is important that opinions and behavior should not be determined by emotions, and that these only be determined after rational, legal, and value-related examination of the issues.

The guidelines or criteria are:

Systematic, in-depth study of issues fosters a consistent readiness to review one's positionin the light of changing circumstances, integrate new information, listen to a different opinion.

The study methods recommended above enable participants to break away from stereotypical modes of thinking.

Application of these methods to the study of complex issues promotes social and political involvement, and faciltiates the growth of active and committed mediator groups.

The units are designed to provide mediators with tools to identify tensions and dissonances between stated positions and proposed solutions.

In addition to addressing dilemmas from the past and present, the units also provide tools for addressing new issues in the future on the basis of seeking knowledge and applying experience.