The Uneasy Case for Intellectual Diversity

Abstract

Wouldn't it be ironic if, at an academic conference about the value of "intellectual diversity," everybody held pretty much the same views? This paper argues that the prevailing consensus about the value of intellectual diversity has much to commend it, but that ultimately intellectual diversity is a subordinate, instrumental value. The overriding objective is the pursuit of truth. Sometimes, the value of intellectual diversity furthers that objective; but sometimes it does not.

Keywords: legal education, higher education, colleges and universities, academic freedom, diversity, intellectual diversity