Liberal education is impossible without viewpoint diversity. Only by confronting opposing opinions do we discover that we are guided by prejudices: conclusions which we know neither the case for nor against. By confronting opposing opinions, we are compelled to examine our views, thereby developing our understanding and, where reasonable, changing our opinion in accordance with our clearer grasp of the truth. Each step we take in this process helps us to free ourselves from a life governed by prejudice. And this most enviable freedom is the highest goal of a liberal education.

But which diverse viewpoints are most helpful? In the first place, one needs to confront those from the opposing side of the political spectrum. But for these opposing views to serve their crucial function in liberal education, we need to objectively examine the strongest arguments for and against them, not just the conclusions themselves. This examination is important, not least because of the way it also prepares students to participate in our pluralistic community. But there is a much deeper examination possible in the study of the great books, books that have endured the test of time. Many of the conclusions that both the modern left and right take for granted are profoundly challenged in these books. And while no one could reasonably deny the amazing scientific progress we’ve made, it would be boastful to assume that we understand the most important human questions better than the great thinkers who came before us: questions, as my favorite professor says, about love, justice, friendship, death and God. 

But as no community is open to questioning everything, and as previous thinkers did not enjoy even First Amendment protections, these books must be read with the utmost care and with a truly open mind. To help students do this, I hide my opinions about whom I agree with. This helps overcome two obstacles to rigorous examination: Students might take the understandable shortcut of merely assuming that the thinkers with whom the professor disagrees are wrong, or students may worry that they’ll be held accountable for their disagreement with the professor’s view when it comes time for grading. Finally, making the strongest case for and against each of the thinkers I teach helps me remain open to the question of what the truth is. After all, liberal education is a lifelong endeavor.  

Lisa Leibowitz is an assistant professor of political science and in the integrated program in humane studies who teaches classes on many of the great books. She can be reached at leibowitzl@kenyon.edu.