Heterodox Out Loud

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'Cross Purposes,' explores the surprising role of Christian values in American democracy. He argues that the decline in robust, virtue-based Christianity has fueled polarization and a crisis of trust. Through personal stories and Tocqueville's insights, he examines the connection between faith and civic life, advocating for a 'thick church' that fosters pluralism. The discussion also highlights the challenges facing higher education and the necessity to revive core values to promote a healthy democratic society.

Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University and an advocate for liberal education, joins the discussion on the deteriorating trust in higher education. He explores the ideological divides and challenges universities face in retaining public confidence, particularly among conservatives. Roth critiques the lack of ideological diversity and the tension between DEI initiatives and open inquiry. The conversation raises pressing questions about maintaining academic relevance and the impact of political interventions on university integrity.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Simon Cullen, Assistant Teaching Professor of Philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University, delves into his pioneering work with the AI platform 'Sway.' This innovative tool promotes constructive disagreement among students on controversial topics by pairing them with opposing views. Cullen shares fascinating insights from empirical research showing how Sway enhances students’ openness and analytical reasoning. He emphasizes the importance of embracing dialogue on divisive issues and cultivating a culture of intellectual humility in academia.

In this engaging discussion, Jukka Savolainen, a sociology professor at Wayne State University, tackles the pressing issues within the field, including ideological bias and a lack of viewpoint diversity. He shares his journey from Finland to the U.S. and critiques the influence of postmodernism on sociology. Jukka emphasizes the need for empirical rigor and discusses historical government interventions, like the reformation of Copenhagen's sociology department. He calls for unity among sociologists to foster open inquiry and diverse perspectives in research.

Jenna and Benjamin Storey, senior fellows at the American Enterprise Institute, delve into the waning trust in American universities and propose ways to rekindle public faith in higher education. They discuss the drift from civic missions, the alarming decline in ideological diversity on campuses, and innovative models like Schools of Civic Thought. The Storeys emphasize the necessity for universities to foster open inquiry and articulate a clearer civic purpose amidst political scrutiny, championing a reinvigorated liberal education for a polarized society.

Joe Cohn, the Policy Director at Heterodox Academy and an expert in civil liberties, dives into the complex interplay between federal policies and academic freedom. He discusses Trump's education agenda, examining its effects on free speech and the enforcement of Title VI against discrimination. Cohn emphasizes the need for procedural rigor to balance institutional autonomy with necessary oversight. He advocates for persuasion over censorship in tackling bigotry and highlights the vital role of international students in enriching campus discourse.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Cary Nelson, Jubilee Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, delves into the troubling relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism in academia. He analyzes how campus dynamics and social media amplify these tensions, affecting Jewish students' identities and safety. Nelson urges for a return to universities as platforms for open dialogue, exploring the historical shifts in societal attitudes toward Israel and calling for greater understanding amidst the complexities of political discourse.

Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch and a distinguished journalist at NYU, dives into how Trump’s executive orders are reshaping scientific research. He discusses the chilling effects on academic freedom, expressing concern over censorship and self-censorship among researchers. Oransky explores the historical context of government funding, tracing its impact on scientific priorities and independence. He warns of the growing influence of politics on inquiry and the potential consequences for the future of scientific discovery.

Andrew Hartz, President of the Open Therapy Institute and a clinical psychologist, discusses the concerning rise of sociopolitical bias in mental health care. He reveals how personal beliefs can overshadow patient-centered therapy, leading to exclusion based on political views. The conversation delves into the challenges conservative therapists face and the ethical responsibilities of practitioners. Hartz also highlights the need for culturally sensitive approaches, addressing topics like gun ownership and gender biases in therapy.

Shira Hoffer, a Harvard senior and founder of the Institute for Multipartisan Education, discusses her mission to reduce societal hate through dialogue. She shares her inspiring journey in establishing the Hotline for Israel-Palestine to connect diverse perspectives amidst campus tensions. Shira emphasizes radical curiosity as a vital tool for overcoming polarization and advocates for student-led initiatives that encourage open-minded conversation. Her insights reveal the transformative potential of curiosity in education and conflict resolution.