Cooperative Principle

The Cooperative Principle, proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice, suggests that people intend their conversations to be productive and meaningful. When we talk, we usually assume others are trying to understand and contribute appropriately. This means we share common goals like honesty, relevance, and clarity. Essentially, participants work together to ensure communication makes sense, avoiding confusion or misunderstanding. It's the unspoken rule that helps conversations flow smoothly—each person contributing in a way that supports mutual understanding and effective exchange of information.