Final answer:
The faculty member is using inquiring assertively as a technique to prompt the dean to reflect on their own stance about academic freedom, thereby promoting assertive behavior and potentially initiating a productive dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The faculty member is using the technique of inquiring assertively to promote assertive behavior. By questioning the dean's criticism, the faculty member is not passively accepting the dean's stance but instead is actively seeking to understand the dean's perspective and clarify the disagreement. This approach is an important aspect of assertiveness in the academic world, which values open debate and the defense of beliefs and ideas.
Assertive behavior allows one to express one's views and defend one's rights while also respecting others. In the scenario presented, the faculty member's question prompts the dean to reflect on their own views and potentially opens a dialogue about academic freedom. This approach can be compared to other methods of arguing for a position, which are crucial in academic, political, and social systems.