Pluralist Movement

As per the ISIPE Open Letter, three forms of pluralism form the core of the movement. Theoretical pluralism emphasizes the need to broaden the range of schools of thought represented in the curricula. Pluralism is not about choosing sides, but about encouraging intellectually rich debate and learning to critically contrast ideas. Methodological pluralism stresses the need to broaden the range of tools economists employ to grapple with economic questions. There are important aspects of economics which cannot be understood using exclusively quantitative methods. Finally, economics should include interdisciplinary approaches. Economics is a social science; complex economic phenomena can seldom be understood if presented in a vacuum, removed from their sociological, political, and historical contexts. To properly discuss economic policy, students should understand the broader social impacts and moral implications of economic decisions.