{"id":4802,"date":"2025-01-24T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewitnessexeter.co.uk\/?p=4802"},"modified":"2025-01-23T21:42:10","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T21:42:10","slug":"rethinking-society-at-exeter-talking-about-fostering-empathy-and-critical-thinking-with-ande-mcclintock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewitnessexeter.co.uk\/?p=4802","title":{"rendered":"Rethinking Society at Exeter: Talking About Fostering Empathy and Critical Thinking with Ande McClintock"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>8 Minute, 45 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n

For Ande, a final-year Politics, Philosophy and Economics student and president of Rethinking Society, this student group offers something extraordinary: a space for meaningful, open-ended discussions where empathy and critical thinking thrive. At a university often perceived as politically right-leaning, Rethinking Society stands out as a haven for students seeking nuanced conversations and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ande recalls her first experience with the society as a first-year student. “I was looking for a space to discuss big political and philosophical ideas, but I didn\u2019t want the adversarial tone of debates. Rethinking felt different\u2014it was never black and white,” she explains. Three years later, she leads society with the same ethos that first drew her in, emphasising inclusion, curiosity, and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Rethinking Society?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At its core, Rethinking Society is a discussion forum blending seminar-style depth with the casual vibe of a pub talk or book club. Open to students of all disciplines and levels of study, it\u2019s a space where no prior knowledge is required, just an open mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The society tackles broad and often unconventional topics like “Drugs,” “Fashion,” and “Spirituality” in its weekly sessions. As Ande explains, \u201cThe beauty of Rethinking is that we focus on the \u2018why\u2019 rather than debating who\u2019s right,” Ande says. Unlike many societies, there\u2019s no pressure to participate. “If you want to just sit back and absorb the ideas, that\u2019s completely fine,” she adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emphasis is on creating a safe space for exploration rather than division. Participants are encouraged to bring their knowledge and passionate opinions, but the only prerequisites are an open mind and a willingness to engage critically with new perspectives. The society also emphasises accessibility\u2014events are free, and no one is required to speak, creating a welcoming environment for even the most hesitant attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ande\u2019s Journey with Rethinking Society<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Ande, her first encounter with Rethinking Society came in her first year as a PPE student at the University of Exeter. She was drawn to the society for its unique approach to discussing political issues\u2014free from the rigidity of formal debates. \u201cI\u2019d done debating before, but I didn\u2019t enjoy how black-and-white it made everything feel,\u201d she reflects. \u201cRethinking felt like a space where I could explore topics I was interested in without the pressure to take a side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since those early days, Ande has witnessed the society grow into a vibrant, close-knit community. \u201cIt\u2019s evolved quite a bit,\u201d she says. \u201cThere\u2019s a stronger sense of togetherness now, with more socials and collaborations with other societies. But the Thursday Rethinking sessions\u2014our core discussions\u2014have stayed the same.\u201d These sessions remain at the heart of Rethinking, offering students a space to engage in open-ended, empathetic conversations about everything from philosophy to current events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stepping into a leadership role wasn\u2019t something Ande initially planned. \u201cIn my second year, it didn\u2019t seem like anyone was going to run for presidency, so I put myself forward\u201d she explains. When the former presider decided to continue in their position, Ande became the Vice President of the society, finally landing her presidency role at the start of her final year.  \u201cI loved the society so much that I wanted to give something back, so I decided to put myself forward.\u201d Since becoming president, Ande has found that leading the society has deepened her belief in the power of dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s given me faith in politics\u2014not in the systems or politicians, but in the discussions we can have,\u201d she shares. \u201cBefore, everything felt so polarised and simplistic. Staying in Rethinking has been a reminder that political discussions can be peaceful, civil, and even enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Rethinking Society isn\u2019t a party-affiliated group, Ande believes it has its own kind of influence\u2014both on campus and beyond. \u201cIt\u2019s easier to see the direct impact with party-based societies because they\u2019re gateways to political campaigns,\u201d she explains. \u201cBut in smaller, community-based ways, societies like ours matter too. Our members have attended protests, like the Pro-Palestine demonstrations, and those experiences shape their perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rethinking Society also actively engages with other groups on campus to tackle contentious issues. A notable example is their collaboration with the Freedom Society on \u201cRethinking Immigration.\u201d When Freedom members presented right-wing, anti-immigration arguments, Rethinking\u2019s approach stood out. \u201cEveryone stayed calm and focused on logic,\u201d Ande recalls. \u201cIt\u2019s those kinds of discussions that can genuinely shift opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating Empathetic Political Discussions: A Rethinking Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In an age of polarisation, Rethinking Society provides a powerful counterexample: a space where political discussions aren\u2019t just civil but empathetic and transformative. Ande, the society\u2019s president, believes the key lies in trust and community. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about what we talk about; it\u2019s about knowing the person behind the ideas,\u201d she explains. \u201cOur socials and the way we engage with each other outside of discussions are just as important as the conversations themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to how political leaders can foster respectful and accountable discourse, Ande offers a personal perspective rooted in her and her peers\u2019 critical view of traditional systems. \u201cDecentralisation is key,\u201d she asserts. \u201cThe idea that someone as far removed as Keir Starmer represents me is absurd. True accountability starts with making people aware of who represents them and ensuring those representatives are closer to the communities they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While she acknowledges that proportional representation, like Scotland\u2019s system, is an improvement over the UK\u2019s first-past-the-post voting, Ande isn\u2019t fully convinced. \u201cEven that\u2019s not perfect,\u201d she says. \u201cIt can make consensus harder to reach, but I\u2019d rather accept that challenge than rely on artificial consensus that doesn\u2019t truly reflect the people\u2019s will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This scepticism reflects a broader sentiment within Rethinking, where members often lean toward a more anarchist approach to governance. For Ande, the focus is less about perfect systems and more about fostering dialogue that acknowledges complexity and builds accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encouraging people to step outside their political affiliations without deepening mistrust is another area where Rethinking excels. \u201cWe don\u2019t check party affiliations at the door,\u201d Ande jokes. \u201cThe environment we create is about nuance. Members trust that their arguments won\u2019t be straw-manned or dismissed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She points out that positive interactions play a huge role in building trust and empathy. \u201cIf someone has a good experience sharing their opinion, they\u2019re more likely to keep engaging,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s all about creating a space where people feel free to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As AI tools increasingly shape public discourse, Rethinking has also started to explore their ethical implications. Ande\u2019s stance is clear: \u201cHumans need to stay at the center of politics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While she acknowledges the capabilities of tools like ChatGPT in analysing patterns and replicating emotional tones, Ande insists they lack the human depth required for political decision-making. \u201cAI can mimic the rhythm of an emotion, but I\u2019m not sure whether it would be able to actually understand it,\u201d she explains. \u201cI\u2019d rather see campaigns shaped by real people and real artists, not algorithms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Rethinking Society, the discussion around AI highlights the importance of grounding political conversations in human experiences and emotions. As Ande puts it, \u201cPolitics is about understanding perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead: Rethinking Society\u2019s Goals and Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As Rethinking Society moves forward, its focus remains firmly on cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community. \u201cEvery Thursday, we\u2019re genuinely excited to see everyone,\u201d says Ande, the society\u2019s president. \u201cThat sense of connection is what keeps us going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The past year has seen Rethinking broaden its scope beyond traditional political topics, exploring ideas that straddle philosophy, culture, and social issues. Discussions have ranged from \u201cImmigration\u201d to less conventional themes like \u201cCannibalism.\u201d Ande and her team are eager to push the boundaries even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For students who might feel hesitant about joining, Ande emphasizes the society\u2019s low-pressure environment. \u201cOne of the best things about Rethinking is that you don\u2019t have to speak if you don\u2019t want to,\u201d she says. \u201cYou can come along, listen, and take it all in. It\u2019s very much like a seminar\u2014only the people who volunteer contribute to the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach has made Rethinking an accessible option for students across all disciplines and confidence levels. \u201cWe\u2019re here for anyone who wants to engage with interesting ideas in a supportive space,\u201d Ande adds. As well as this, accessibility for all participants is a priority for Rethinking Society and is something that they are conscious of during their discussion. Recently, they introduced innovative methods, such as a hand symbol for clarifying complex terminology, ensuring discussions remain accessible to all. \u201cWe care a lot about everyone feeling included,\u201d says Ande. This ethos extends to their events, all of which are free to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the society\u2019s legacy, Ande hopes it will remain a haven for open dialogue and critical thought. There aren\u2019t many spaces like this on campus,\u201d she reflects. \u201cThe political culture here feels like it\u2019s fading. When spaces do exist, they\u2019re often heated or divisive. We\u2019ve tried to be something different\u201d. Exeter\u2019s reputation as a right-leaning university has, according to Ande, contributed to a sense of political apathy among students. \u201cOne of the most common things I hear is, \u2018I didn\u2019t know this place existed.\u2019 For left-leaning students especially, it\u2019s important to have somewhere to gather and talk,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting involved is as simple as turning up. Rethinking meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the Forum seminar rooms. \u201cThe biggest selling point is the community,\u201d Ande says. \u201cIt\u2019s such an interesting group of people. You make genuine friends and discover ideas you might never have considered\u2014all in a way that\u2019s fun and approachable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find out more about the University of Exeter Rethinking Society, please follow this link to see their page on the Exeter Student Guild Website: https:\/\/my.exeterguild.com\/groups\/4GG3F\/rethinking-society<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or check out their Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/therethinkingsoc\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

* The Witness Journal\u2019s Senior Editors, Veronika Parfjonova and Emily Hone, conducted interviews with all of the societies that were willing to participate as part of a feature series to showcase political party societies at the University of Exeter*<\/em><\/p>\n

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