ASTORIA Healthy debate and disagreement are at the heart of a vibrant democracy. Yet contemporary culture seems to be marked by increasing incivility. If civility defines the standard of behavior expected in human interaction, how can we promote a greater respect for one another?

This is the focus of Debating Fairly: Civility, Disagreement, and Democracy, a free conversation with Southern Oregon University professor Prakash Chenjeri at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Astoria Public Library, 450 10th St. The program is hosted by Astor Library Friends Association and sponsored by Oregon Humanities.

Chenjeri is an associate professor of philosophy and director of the Honors Program at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he has been teaching since 1995. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Philosophy Teachers, and serves on the Ethics Committee at Ashland Community Hospital.

Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to daily lives and the state’s future. For more information about this community discussion, contact the Astoria Public Library at 503-325-7323 or comments@astorialibrary.org