Diversity, Dynamism & Inclusion: A New Multi-Method Approach for Studying Liberalism

This project develops an integrated theory-to-practice understanding of liberal dynamism and the mechanisms of inclusion. We aim to demonstrate how diversity, disagreement, and dynamism are core tools of liberalism, not problems to manage. Diverse, dynamic, inclusive environments capture important features of what Popper and Gaus call the Open Society. We aim to develop a systematic understanding of the mechanisms of this open, liberal framework. We look not to outline an unattainable utopia, but to understand how we can leverage diversity, dynamism, and inclusion as liberalism’s strengths. Our investigation is designed to glean insights for local policy improvements and scholarly impact alike. The importance of this work is difficult to overstate – liberalism is under attack in academic circles and in our politics. We aim to provide liberalism with a more secure philosophical foundation that highlights its core strength: the capacity to use individual freedoms to channel diversity into improved social learning and adaptability in the face of new challenges.

We propose to explore three Big Questions: 

• How can institutional diversity foster social dynamism? 
• How can we promote inclusion in a diverse and dynamic polity? 
• Is diversity a resource rather than a problem for liberalism to manage? 

A comprehensive research strategy will solidly ground our work. Combining game theoretic models, computer simulations, economics-style lab experiments, and survey instruments, we will uncover robust results and reveal mechanisms (not just platitudes) about diversity. This strategy aligns with our goal of broad dissemination and translation. We anticipate writing over a dozen academic articles, and hosting workshops for academics and civic leaders alike. We believe our project offers promise for fostering a new approach to liberal theory and can enrich the emerging field of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics as an innovative, comprehensive approach to normative work.