01
Open
Inquiry
ability to ask questions, share ideas, and challenge popular views and assumptions
Details
A powerful idea may begin as a notion that seems mistaken, strange, offensive, or even dangerous. Colleges and universities should be places where such ideas can be discussed, debated, and rigorously tested, not stigmatized and stifled. At HxA, we explore the benefits of open inquiry and the threats to its central place in academic culture.
02
Viewpoint Diversity
differences in views
Details
When people with a wide range of worldviews, backgrounds, and experiences are present and welcomed, academic communities can more effectively notice untested assumptions, imagine and explore new questions and answers, rigorously challenge popular theories, and make continued progress toward truth. But when academic groups are more homogeneous, their work can suffer from blind spots and groupthink.
03
Constructive disagreement
respect through the rigorous examination of ideas and assumptions, including one’s own.
Details
Academic institutions have a duty to cultivate constructive disagreement, through skills and norms such as curiosity, humility, respectful dialogue, charitable listening, and appeals to evidence and reason. These practices are especially important to the education of students, who deserve to be well prepared for the exchange of ideas on campus, in the workplace, and as part of a democracy.