Reconstructing Pluralism Introductory Class

“Pluralism denotes a diversity of views or stands rather than a single approach or method.” - Wikipedia

“[Horace Kallen’s] vision of cultural pluralism: the consensus of different cultures to recognize and respect one another, to communicate with one another, to work together if possible, and to agree to peacefully disagree if not.” - Pluralism.org

“Pluralism is the process of creating a society through critical and self-critical encounter with one another, acknowledging rather than hiding our deepest differences.” - Pluralism.org

Diversity vs engagement with diversity Tolerance vs understanding Relativism vs encounter of commitments Embrace of distinctiveness and conviction we can create a “one” Dialogue

Power (multiculturalism) Racial equity Limits of liberalism (at a minimum, expectation of no harm; at best, affirmative presumption of good will) Separatists Fundamentalists Reinforcement of status quo