A Tradition of Pluralism
Brown University has a long and distinguished tradition of pluralism. While other Ivy League schools were founded on religious charters, Brown was different from the start. Brown’s Charter of 1764 states:
Brown University has a long and distinguished tradition of pluralism. While other Ivy League schools were founded on religious charters, Brown was different from the start. Brown’s Charter of 1764 states:
“ It is hereby enacted and declared that into this liberal and catholic institution shall never be admitted any religious tests: But, on the contrary, all the members hereof shall forever enjoy full, free, absolute and uninterrupted liberty of conscience. ”
In 1969, the students who devised the New Curriculum had a similar idea: Instead of one mandated curriculum imposed upon all, they insisted that, at Brown, each student should be free to experiment and devise a unique path of study for themselves.
The PTP is proud to carry on this tradition at Brown today, as evidenced in our programs: The Janus Forum Lecture Series, The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Society, The Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, and in the content of our Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Research Seminar.
Janus lecture with guest speakers Paul Krugman and Steven Pinker
The PTP pursues its mission within the broad research paradigm of what we call “market democracy.” Economic historian Deirdre McCloskey refers to the enlightenment period as “The Great Enrichment,” as the rise of democratic ideas and institutions coincided with a dramatic increase in personal freedom and economic prosperity. The question of how market economies interact with democratic ideals is at the heart of the PTP’s research mission.
The five main components of the market democratic paradigm are tightly integrated, and include:
We'd love to hear from you!
Political Theory Project
Brown University
Box 2005
25 George Street
Providence, RI 02912
Phone: (401) 863-1038
Fax: (401) 863-6492
[email protected]
Follow us on Facebook