Editorial Statement

John R. Shook, Center for Inquiry Transnational, Buffalo

The Pluralist offers a philosophical forum for any topic written from any intellectual perspective; however, its motivating mission is the promotion of philosophical pluralism, and it aims to do this by more than merely accommodating excellent philosophical work from all viewpoints. Philosophical pluralism exists where such accommodation exists, to be sure; yet pluralism can be much more than the aggregation of diversity. Philosophical pluralism distinctively seeks a fair hearing for diverse theoretical standpoints because it believes that the availability and consideration of such diversity is itself philosophically valuable. Philosophical pluralism requires a flexible and open intellect, and all intellects can benefit from the stretching and limbering provided by an open forum of discussion and disagreement. Even disagreements over the very methods and problems of what constitutes genuine philosophy can benefit all participants. Philosophical pluralists may reject a view about the nature of philosophy very divergent from their own but still tolerate and value the challenge such diversity presents. In an analogous sense, cultural pluralists would value cultural diversity within their society even while preferring to adhere largely to their own culture's ways.