Viewpoint diversity does not extend to extremist hate

Indeed, Heterodox Academy spokespeople have consistently emphasized that viewpoint diversity, free expression, etc. are instrumental goods (rather than absolute goods). That is, they are useful for promoting particular outcomes - improving research and teaching - rather than being advanced purely for their own sake. As a consequence, there are likely appropriate limits to what viewpoints can and should be considered in any given context.

That is, a commitment to understanding and engaging across difference is not incompatiblewith moral rigor – and it is incumbent upon us to make this clear by denouncing not just horrific actions, but the sort of thinking that underlies them as well.

Yet at the same time that we push back against those who would coopt viewpoint diversity towards noxious ends, we must also resist others who eagerly attempt to lump their political and ideological adversaries into the same 'bin' as those who carried out this atrocity, or those who seek to expand the sphere of what counts as 'hateful' words or actions to include virtually anything they find unpleasant or disagreeable, or those who describe viewpoint diversity advocates as complicit in hate. These people must be pushed to listen more to others, and to think carefully about the implications of casting a net as wide as it currently is. Indeed, we would do well to remind ourselves that it is often disadvantaged and vulnerable groups who suffer most when protections on free expression or viewpoint diversity are undermined.

Perhaps one of my left-leaning undergraduate students at University of Illinois put it best:

How do we talk about viewpoint diversity without being accused of being a fascist? My answer is, you walk your talk. If you are actually committed to viewpoint diversity, respectful conversations, and critical thought while still being willing to call out morally abhorrent views, then over time, people will realize that you are what you say you are, and that your convictions are real. It's all you can do, but it's also enough, especially if you have intellectual humility.

My fear is that too few people realize that this is, in fact, our only way out.