The Observer, March 10, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 20
Free Speech Zone: Lack of diversity in ideologies based on logical ideas
To the Editor:
Conservatives today have contrived a debate about diversity in university teaching methods which is a blatant attempt to hijack the idea and word itself from the left. This spirit was subtly embodied in Christopher Thomas' article in last week's Observer. Certainly, a diversity of opinions is desirable in education, especially at the university level. However, the question we need to ask is "Why aren't more conservatives teaching in the arts and sciences, especially in the social sciences?" The answer, though quite simple, has failed to get through to the right (or they have just ignored it).
One shouldn't be so politically simple-minded to think that all conservatives are the same, or that there is one definable ideology of conservatism. Ideology is a spectrum that fluctuates with time and events. However, one thing that has remained constant is that, generally, academia has always been a bastion for radicals, "idealists," and social critics who are disillusioned with the status quo. Traditionally, the left has been resigned to the "ivory towers," criticizing the ills of society and governance. Consequently, the social sciences and humanities are virtually teeming with liberals and leftists. Perhaps this is because one who has conducted an in-depth study of history and ideology wouldn't believe such an overly simplistic and intentionally foreboding statement as "you are either with us, or you are with the terrorists." Perhaps not, but you can find unfavorable similarities without looking too hard.
There undoubtedly needs to be a diversity of logical opinions in all disciplines (including economics, by the way). The fact of the matter is, though, that a free-market conservative is exceedingly more likely to become a businessman than become a sociologist. Capitalists know capitalism, I don't doubt that. But a businessman has about as much knowledge about social relationships and exploitation (especially considering that businessmen are hardly ever on the losing end of society) as a sociologist does about the intricacies of overseas investment or the stock market.
This has all been ignored, though. Conservatives, perhaps feeling empowered by recent political fortunes, have introduced a debate where there is no need for one. While it would be interesting to have more conservatives in the social sciences and humanities, the fact of the matter is that very few actually go into these fields.
Steven Pieragastini
Undergraduate Student
