Title: Can we afford pluralism in times of disruption? A competence-based guide for pluralistic and democratic practice

Authors: Małgorzata Dereniowska

Addresses: Department of Socio-Economic Geography, University of Gdańsk, Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland

Abstract: This article scrutinises the meaning and role of pluralism in times of global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The coherent pandemic responses have been accompanied by the rise of censorship of dissent in behalf of the fight with disinformation. While the motivations have been justified with the urgency of the situation, there are more fundamental issues related to the future of pluralism and democracy. This article addresses the following question: is it possible to navigate through disruption while respecting pluralism in society, politics, and science in a way that builds capacity for collective resilience and integrity? In outlining an affirmative answer to this question, I will argue that there is an inherent value to pluralistic practice based on moral democratic competence. The goal is to provide principled guidelines for pluralistic practices, and insights into how to navigate through disruption while respecting pluralism in society, politics, and science.

Keywords: pluralism; pluralist principles; moral-democratic competence; COVID-19; coronavirus pandemic.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2021.118149

International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, 2021 Vol.12 No.1, pp.39 - 49

Received: 03 Jul 2021
Accepted: 05 Jul 2021
Published online: 13 Oct 2021 *

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