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Pluralism and Civil Exchange

Our mission is to build a community of confident pluralists empowered in their spheres of influence to bridge, and not divide.

About

Pluralist Lab

Fellows

Community

About our Program

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.

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Pluralist Lab

Pluralist Lab

The Pluralist Lab is a space to experiment with various techniques or methods to get people to reconnect.  

Pluralist Lab activities such as workshops, forums, reading groups, salons, and conversational dinners are designed to build competency in civil discourse and encourage viewpoint diversity and mutual understanding—values that are essential in developing and maintaining social trust in a pluralistic society.  

Participants are expected to enter conversations with an attitude of respect, authenticity, and curiosity and to practice active and reflective listening techniques that prompt “I never thought of it that way” moments. We value respectful, candid dialogue over win-lose debates, because we believe that diverse opinions are a bridge to deeper understanding, not division. The goal is not to change minds but rather to create space for empathy and understanding, encouraging participants to recognize the humanity behind differing perspectives and to challenge their own biases.

Learn more about our various offerings and how they can be applied on your campus or adapted for other settings. 

See more about Pluralist Lab

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.
Tevi Troy profile picture

Ashley Berner

Making the case for educational pluralism to improve student outcomes and foster viewpoint diversity in the classroom.
Ashley Berner headshot

Tara Isabella Burton

Exploring the “theology of the internet” and how it shapes our shared culture and moral assumptions.
Head shot of Tara Isabella Burton

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.
Luke Sheahan headshot

Graedon Zorzi

Studying the ideas of John Locke as foundational to a liberal democratic republic and the establishment of a more robust pluralism.
Graedon Zorzi headshot

Sheena Mason

Further developing the Theory of Racelessness, a case for antirace(ism) to transcend the conventional understanding of race.
Sheena Mason headshot

Kevin Vallier

Exploring religious pluralism, shifting trends in social trust, and catholic integralism.
Kevin Vallier

Joan McGregor

Researching ways the next generation of students can build moral capital by fostering epistemic virtues and habits.
Joan McGregor headshot

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.
Confident Pluralism book
The Democratic Dilemma
Ben Klutsey welcomes author Robert Talisse to discuss democracy as an aspirational ideal and solutions to polarization.
Overdoing Democracy
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.
I never thought it that way
A Matter of Trust
Ben Klutsey talks with author Danielle Allen about pluralism, equality and committing to democratic processes.
Our declaration
Undivide Us Postcard

UNDIVIDE US DOCUMENTARY

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.

Watch Trailer

Join the Community

There are many ways to be a part of our small but mighty community. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to connecting.

Collaborate with us

We always look for ways to partner with others committed to open inquiry, civil dialogue, and pluralism. Whether it's a Pluralist Lab workshop, salon discussion, or speaking engagement, there are many ways our team would be happy to help spark dialogue and civil exchange in your community. Please contact Sarah Keenan at [email protected] to discuss ideas.

Contact Us

Subscribe to Pluralist Points

Receive monthly downloads of conversations between Ben and some of the most interesting voices in pluralism today. Some past guests include: Robert Talisse, Tara Isabella Burton, Danielle Allen, Mónica Guzmán, John Inazu.

Pluralist Points

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Short, quick overviews in a non-spammy format that highlights the best of recent podcast episodes and events. Our newsletter is a great way to stay inspired and informed about the work of pluralism and civil exchange.

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