The Main Options in Human Conflict

The main options (means to an end) to consider in every human conflict:
 * 1) Changing minds (possibly even your own mind)
 * 2) Compromise (see matching and alignment, and mutual benefit)
 * 3) Sanctions
 * 4) Separation
 * 5) Use of Force
 * 6) Surrender

Obviously, where reasonable, the first options should be used instead of the latter options. And I'd include a wide range of things (perhaps even verbal abuse/harassment?) in the category of "use of force" even if it is intended to change minds. Some people even physically strike someone over the head and shout "think", and that could be an attempt to change minds too, but certainly involves physical force.

Changing minds
See the main article, Changing Minds.

It would be nice if we could spread values that made people tend towards correction. Such as:
 * strong curiosity and good epistemology
 * creating a "Just Culture" ("just" as in justice, fairness) for handling error
 * valuing learning more than being right all along (this will even make you have less fear of admitting error):
 * recognizing that learning happens all our lives, so we might be able to improve past what we currently think.  If so, wouldn't you want to?  The advantages to your own future are clear.
 * Here's some tips from Julia Galef:  How to want to change your mind.

(and I think these could be used for conflict prevention, too)

Reducing Conflict
Conflict de-escalation usually involves finding a way for there to be mutual benefit, a win-win state. This is also a way to prevent some conflicts from ever beginning.

Of course, in some cases, any reduction in conflict is already in itself beneficial to all sides of the conflict. Sometimes a key problem is that one or more of the sides does not realize or accept that de-escalation is actually better, safer, and satisfactory enough.