Debate, Disagreement, Discovery: The Case for Viewpoint Diversity

🎓 “Viewpoint diversity is absolutely vital at the university.” — Prof. Rebecca Tuvel (Rhodes)

Alongside Purdue’s Eric Sampson, Tuvel makes the case for why disagreement is essential to learning—not a threat to it.

“People with different perspectives... are far better positioned than those who are like-minded to spot the weaknesses in competing views.”

Sampson adds: “People lob criticisms... and defenders respond. That’s how we grow in understanding.”

Professors who model this help students think clearly—even when views clash.

You may not agree with someone. But if you value free inquiry, their argument will sharpen yours. A lot of alumni are watching this basic truth fall apart on campus. It’s not too late to fight for it.