America has always had factions; they are a feature—not a flaw—of representative democracy. Toxic polarization, however, is not. In today’s world, learning and adopting pluralism requires the opportunity to gather information and reflect on it, and the opportunity to apply that information and practice it in community. Our program provides both.
We have launched a number of initiatives to help professors, students, public intellectuals, parents, and anyone who is curious, to practice pluralism and its concurrent values in an eclectic, thriving community. Keep reading to learn more.
Pluralist Lab workshops bring together people with diverse perspectives for substantive conversation on controversial topics to build civil discourse skills. Trained facilitators guide a conversation that could easily be awkward in a normal situation.
Participants practice speaking and being heard as well as active and reflective listening. They get to understand why someone they respect–someone looking them in the eye–would think differently about difficult to discuss issues.
When someone says, “I never thought of it that way” we know we’re having success. Typically participants want to continue the conversation long after the session ends.
Learn more about the type of facilitation we use and how it can be applied to your classroom, office, friend group, or family.
Pluralism Fellows
Every year, our program hosts an eclectic mix of heterodox thinkers and practitioners. Through research, salon discussions, writing, and speaking, fellows are constantly engaged in various aspects of how we can foster pluralism. For media inquiries, contact Ryan Carver at [email protected]. For speaking engagements, contact Sarah Keenan at [email protected].
Tevi Troy
Examining historical lessons from previous challenges to liberalism and revealing their enduring significance.Ashley Berner
Making the case for educational pluralism to improve student outcomes and foster viewpoint diversity in the classroom.Tara Isabella Burton
Exploring the “theology of the internet” and how it shapes our shared culture and moral assumptions.Luke Sheahan
Discussing monism vs pluralism and the impact these frameworks have on the public’s treatment of the First Amendment and Freedom of Association.Recommended Resources
Confident Pluralism
Ben Klutsey talks with John Inazu, author of 'Confident Pluralism,' about acknowledging differences, finding common ground, and supporting constitutional rights with civic practices.The Democratic Dilemma
Ben Klutsey welcomes author Robert Talisse to discuss democracy as an aspirational ideal and solutions to polarization.Having the Tough Conversations
Author Mónica Guzmán joins Ben Klutsey on his podcast and discuss bridging political divides, fostering genuine curiosity and how to talk to your crazy uncle during the holidays.A Matter of Trust
Ben Klutsey talks with author Danielle Allen about pluralism, equality and committing to democratic processes.America is at a crossroads where politicians, news media, and social media fan the flames of toxic partisanship that have led many Americans to question whether they can trust their fellow citizens. UNDIVIDE US is a documentary that stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action.
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
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Are DEI Programs Really the Problem? | The Hill
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Expressive Freedom and Dialoguing Across Difference | Discourse
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How Do We Rebuild Trust? | The Curious Task
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How To Disagree Better | Discourse
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Polarization | Profectus Magazine’s “True Progress”
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Polarization and Behavioral Economics | Discourse
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Self-making: Finding Meaning Within Our Desires | Discourse
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Anonymity and Self-creation | BBC’s “Thinking Allowed”
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Why America Is Both Democracy and Republic | Discourse
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Good Fences and Civility | Discourse
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Polarization and Political Violence | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Illusion of Division | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
American Neighborhoods Are In Trouble | Bloomberg CityLab
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Are DEI Programs Really the Problem? | The Hill
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Expressive Freedom and Dialoguing Across Difference | Discourse
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
How Do We Rebuild Trust? | The Curious Task
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
How To Disagree Better | Discourse
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Polarization | Profectus Magazine’s “True Progress”
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Polarization and Behavioral Economics | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Self-making: Finding Meaning Within Our Desires | Discourse
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Anonymity and Self-creation | BBC’s “Thinking Allowed”
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Why America Is Both Democracy and Republic | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Good Fences and Civility | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Polarization and Political Violence | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Illusion of Division | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
American Neighborhoods Are In Trouble | Bloomberg CityLab
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
How Do We Rebuild Trust? | The Curious Task
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Polarization | Profectus Magazine’s “True Progress”
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Anonymity and Self-creation | BBC’s “Thinking Allowed”
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
The Legacy of Ed Koch | "Acton Line"
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Is Neighborhood Fragmentation Polarizing America? | The UnPopulist
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Egg in the Face | The Remnant
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- | Discourse Magazine Podcast Discourse Magazine Podcast
Speaking Freely in American Universities | Discourse
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
First, Do No Harm | The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Are DEI Programs Really the Problem? | The Hill
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Expressive Freedom and Dialoguing Across Difference | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
How To Disagree Better | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Polarization and Behavioral Economics | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Self-making: Finding Meaning Within Our Desires | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Why America Is Both Democracy and Republic | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Good Fences and Civility | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Polarization and Political Violence | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Illusion of Division | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
American Neighborhoods Are In Trouble | Bloomberg CityLab
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Escaping the Identity Trap | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Bibi’s Seven Presidents | Commentary Magazine
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