Engaging Across Differences

Renowned political scientist Steven Teles kicked off the second season of the Seattle University’s Presidential Speaker Series by delving into the critical theme of viewpoint diversity and emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking and wisdom is deeply enriched when diverse perspectives are brought to the table.

“What makes you a liberal institutionalist is we have a commitment to the general theory of where knowledge comes from and to get that we need, both the scientific method and the methods of the other humane disciplines,” Teles said. “And we need enough diversity to get the conflict that causes people to ask the tough questions and keep their institutions from simply becoming an extension of (an) ideological or partisan conflict.”

Teles is a professor of political science and director of the Center for Economy and Society (SNF Agora) at Johns Hopkins University. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center. Professor Teles is the author of five books, including The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement and The Captured Economy.

In his work Teles has written about and spoken at length on issues around viewpoint diversity and that it’s not just a buzzword but rather fundamental to creating a robust educational environment.

Teles spoke about his own experiences and how at many colleges he would be viewed as conservative. He talked about how diversity in ideology across the board (from courses to the professoriate)—liberalism, left, conservatism—is also important in sparking valuable discourse and an openness to divergent viewpoints.

“Universities should be seen as places where intellectual diversity thrives and where students are prepared to navigate a complex world with a nuanced understanding of various perspectives,” Teles has said. “This is why ideology diversity matters. It can force us to ask the really hard questions.”

An important element of this speaker series, which brings together thought leaders, leading academics and great legal minds, is discussing in detail two recurring and interconnected topics—viewpoint diversity and its impact and the effect of social media on the health of public discourse.

Conversations that arise from this speaker series underscore the need for creating spaces where dialogue across differences can flourish, ultimately contributing to a more informed and empathetic society.

“All around us, deep-seated political polarization and a contentious election season replete with divisive rhetoric, remind us of the importance of practicing empathy and cultivating understanding across our differences of identity and viewpoint,” says Peñalver.

Listen to a podcast of the full conversation between President Peñalver and Teles.

About the Presidential Speaker Series 

Launched in fall 2023, the Presidential Speaker Series brings nationally known thought leaders, academics and legal scholars to campus to discuss issues of freedom of speech, viewpoint diversity and campus discourse. The events are open to the Seattle University community—students, faculty, staff, alumni and leadership.

Here’s a look at the rest of the season’s lineup:

• Keith Whittingham | Yale Law School
  November 20, 2024
  
  
• Jean Twenge, PhD | San Diego State University
  March 12, 2025
  
  
• Jamal Greene | Columbia Law
  May 21, 2025

Learn more about the series, including registering for tickets.