What is Viewpoint Diversity?

Viewpoint diversity is the ability to seek out multiple perspectives in order to learn from as many sides as possible. 

 

• If everyone is in agreement on an issue, without any opposing view, little can be learned. As John Stuart Mill put it: “He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.” 

 

• One of the benefits of viewpoint diversity is it allows us to learn the strongest arguments on the opposite side of the argument one is making — and view one’s case from the opponent’s point of view — in order to strengthen one’s case and craft strong rebuttals.

 

• Viewpoint diversity is essential to a thriving democracy; dictators do not like viewpoint diversity.

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