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.
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.
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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The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
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Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
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Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
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Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
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Undivide Us | SiriusXM
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Political Polarization & "Undivide Us" | C-SPAN
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JD Vance and the Rise of ‘Postliberalism’ | The Wall Street Journal
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Democracy as a Civic Bargain | Pluralist Points
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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
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
- | Radio Appearance Radio Appearance
Undivide Us | SiriusXM
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Political Polarization & "Undivide Us" | C-SPAN
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
JD Vance and the Rise of ‘Postliberalism’ | The Wall Street Journal
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Democracy as a Civic Bargain | Pluralist Points
- | 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
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
- | Radio Appearance Radio Appearance
Undivide Us | SiriusXM
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Political Polarization & "Undivide Us" | C-SPAN
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Democracy as a Civic Bargain | Pluralist Points
- | 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
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Egg in the Face | The Remnant
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
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The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
JD Vance and the Rise of ‘Postliberalism’ | The Wall Street Journal
- | 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
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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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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
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The Illusion of Division | Discourse
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