From Wokeness to Pluralism: A New Vision for Universities with Eboo Patel | Ep 24

Nov 12, 2024

Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, discusses the transformative power of pluralism in universities. He shares his journey from India and how his Muslim upbringing shaped his views on social justice. Patel critiques the shift in anti-racism strategies in academia and advocates for a balance between diverse perspectives. He proposes innovative ideas for creating 'Pluralist Universities,' emphasizing respectful dialogue and intellectual diversity, and uses jazz as a metaphor for collaboration in a democratic society.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From India to Interfaith Activism

01:35 • 7min

The Harmony of Pluralism

08:20 • 9min

Jazz and Pluralism: Embracing Diversity

17:07 • 13min

Embracing Pluralism in Academia

29:38 • 23min

Building a Pluralism University: Steps Toward Inclusive Learning

52:35 • 4min

Celebrating Pluralism in Higher Education

56:20 • 2min

Conjectures and refutations

the growth of scientific knowledge

Michelle Irene

Karl Popper

de Launay Marc B.

Melitta Mew

Karl Popper's "Conjectures and Refutations" is a collection of essays that explores his philosophy of science and its implications for knowledge and social progress. Popper argues that scientific knowledge is not based on verification but on falsification, meaning that theories are tested by attempting to disprove them. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the willingness to revise or abandon theories in the face of contradictory evidence. Popper's work has had a profound impact on the philosophy of science and its application to other fields, such as social science and political philosophy. His emphasis on critical thinking and open inquiry remains highly relevant in today's world.

Two concepts of liberty

Isaiah Berlin

Isaiah Berlin's "Two Concepts of Liberty" is a seminal essay in political philosophy that distinguishes between two fundamental conceptions of freedom: negative liberty and positive liberty. Negative liberty refers to freedom from external constraints, while positive liberty refers to the capacity to act autonomously and pursue one's goals. Berlin argues that these two concepts are often in tension, and that an overemphasis on positive liberty can lead to the suppression of individual rights. The essay's enduring influence lies in its clear articulation of the complexities of freedom and its implications for political thought. It remains a crucial text for understanding the ongoing debates about the nature of liberty and its role in a just society.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

Sister Outsider

Essays and Speeches

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde's "Sister Outsider" is a collection of essays and speeches that explore themes of race, gender, class, and sexuality. Lorde's writing is characterized by its powerful and personal voice, challenging readers to confront their own biases and prejudices. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the experiences of Black women in America to the importance of self-love and self-acceptance. Lorde's work has had a profound impact on feminist and anti-racist movements, inspiring generations of activists and scholars. Her legacy continues to shape conversations about social justice and intersectionality.

On the Political

Chantal Mouffe

Chantal Mouffe's "On the Political" is a significant contribution to contemporary political theory, exploring the nature of political conflict and the possibilities for democratic engagement. Mouffe challenges the liberal consensus on politics, arguing that conflict is inherent to the political process and cannot be eliminated. She advocates for a form of agonistic pluralism, where competing perspectives engage in respectful debate and contestation, rather than seeking to eliminate each other. Mouffe's work emphasizes the importance of democratic deliberation and the role of political passion in shaping collective action. Her ideas have had a significant impact on debates about democracy, pluralism, and the nature of political identity.

After Virtue

Alistair McIntyre

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers

Kwame Anthony Appiah

Kwame Anthony Appiah's "Cosmopolitanism" explores the ethical implications of living in an increasingly interconnected world. He argues for a cosmopolitan outlook that values both individual rights and global justice. Appiah challenges traditional notions of nationalism and emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. He examines various ethical dilemmas, such as immigration and global poverty, offering a framework for navigating these challenges in a morally responsible way. The book provides a compelling case for cosmopolitanism as a necessary framework for addressing the ethical challenges of our time.

The melting-pot

drama in four acts

Israel Zangwill

Israel Zangwill's "The Melting Pot" is a play that explores the assimilation of immigrants into American society. The play uses the metaphor of a melting pot to describe the process by which different cultures blend together to form a new, unified American identity. While initially praised for its optimistic vision of American unity, the play has also been criticized for its failure to fully acknowledge the challenges and complexities of immigration and cultural integration. The play's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the ongoing tension between assimilation and cultural preservation in a diverse society. It raises important questions about the meaning of American identity and the role of immigration in shaping the nation's character.

Not for Profit

Martha Nussbaum

Martha Nussbaum's "Not for Profit" explores the crucial role of higher education in fostering human flourishing and social justice. She argues that universities should prioritize the cultivation of intellectual and moral virtues, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. Nussbaum challenges the increasing emphasis on market-driven metrics in higher education, advocating for a more humanistic approach that prioritizes the development of well-rounded individuals. The book offers a compelling vision of the university's role in society, emphasizing its potential to contribute to a more just and equitable world. Nussbaum's work provides a framework for understanding how universities can fulfill their social responsibilities while maintaining their commitment to academic excellence.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Paulo Freire

Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" is a seminal work in education theory that critiques traditional, banking-style education and advocates for a more liberating approach. Freire argues that education should be a transformative process that empowers students to critically analyze their world and challenge oppressive structures. He emphasizes dialogue and participatory learning as essential tools for fostering critical consciousness and social change. The book's enduring influence lies in its challenge to traditional power dynamics in education and its call for a more just and equitable learning environment. Freire's work has inspired educators and activists around the world to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

James Baldwin

James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of faith, family, and race in Harlem during the 1930s. The novel follows the life of John Grimes, a young man grappling with his religious beliefs and his relationship with his family. Baldwin's powerful prose captures the emotional intensity of John's experiences, revealing the profound impact of racism and religious hypocrisy on his life. The novel's exploration of themes of faith, sexuality, and racial identity continues to resonate with readers today. It is considered a masterpiece of American literature, showcasing Baldwin's unique ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary.

We Need to Build

Field Notes for Diverse Democracy

Eboo Patel

Talking to Strangers: An American's Guide to the World

Daniel Allen

In "Talking to Strangers," Daniel Allen delves into the complexities of cross-cultural communication and understanding. He explores how misunderstandings arise from differing cultural norms and perspectives, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of navigating diverse social contexts. Allen's work emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening in bridging divides and fostering meaningful connections. He examines various case studies to illustrate the consequences of miscommunication and the potential for positive interactions when individuals make a conscious effort to understand each other. The book offers valuable insights into the dynamics of intercultural dialogue and the importance of cultivating mutual respect.

The New Negro

Elaine Locke

Alain Locke's "The New Negro" is a seminal anthology that showcases the burgeoning artistic and intellectual movement of the Harlem Renaissance. It features essays, poems, and stories by prominent Black writers and artists, reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives of the era. The anthology highlights the cultural richness and creativity of the Black community, challenging prevailing stereotypes and promoting a sense of Black pride and self-determination. Locke's introduction provides a framework for understanding the significance of the Harlem Renaissance as a cultural and political awakening. The anthology remains a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Black artistic and intellectual achievement.

Confident Pluralism

John Inazu

In "Confident Pluralism," John Inazu explores the tension between religious freedom and equality, arguing for a society that protects both. He challenges the idea that religious freedom and equality are always in conflict, demonstrating how they can coexist and even strengthen each other. Inazu's work provides a framework for understanding how diverse religious communities can thrive in a pluralistic society. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding, even in the face of deep disagreements. The book offers a compelling case for confident pluralism as a path towards a more just and inclusive society.

What new vision can pluralism bring to today’s universities? Today, founder of Interfaith America Eboo Patel, joins John to discuss how pluralism can be a guiding principle in transforming higher education away from rigid ideological confines towards a more inclusive and dynamic intellectual space.

Eboo shares his journey to understanding pluralism. He views pluralism as a way to embrace one’s identity while valuing others and notes that the approach to anti-racism in some universities is shifting from helpful to controlling. Ebo believes that pluralism can balance extreme views by fostering intellectual diversity and respectful dialogue. He also suggests ways to create "Pluralist Universities," such as starting pluralism fellowships, doing research for future diversity needs, and developing a liberal arts curriculum that reflects a diverse society.

In This Episode:

Evolution of anti-racism from perspective to paradigm to coercive regime
Personal narratives and pluralism at the Nantucket Project
Pluralism as navigating between "wokeness" and "whitewashing"
Implementation of pluralism in universities
Historical roots and modern applications of pluralism
Roles of intellectual, identity, values, and agonistic pluralism in higher education
Critique of overemphasis on victimhood in diversity discussions

For further reading, refer to Eboo Patel's co-authored article with Rebecca Russo on pluralism practices at universities.

About Eboo:

Eboo Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of American democracy. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Eboo is the Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.

Eboo served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote addresses, and has written five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. He is an Ashoka Fellow and holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship. Eboo lives in Chicago with his wife, Shehnaz, and their two sons.

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