The Diversity Principle
The Story of a Transformative Idea
Book •
In The Diversity Principle, David Oppenheimer traces the intellectual and institutional history of diversity from early 19th-century Europe to modern America, arguing that including people with different backgrounds and experiences produces better decisions in law, science, business, and education.
The book combines legal history, political theory, and contemporary social science evidence to make both moral and utilitarian cases for diversity.
Oppenheimer examines landmark figures and cases—such as Mill, Humboldt, Pauli Murray, Thurgood Marshall, and modern corporate studies—to show how diversity has been defended and contested.
He addresses serious critiques, including Clarence Thomas's worry that diversity stereotypes minority viewpoints, and responds by showing how lived experience can enrich judgment.
The book aims to reposition diversity as a central liberal democratic principle and practical wealth- and knowledge-creating mechanism.
The book combines legal history, political theory, and contemporary social science evidence to make both moral and utilitarian cases for diversity.
Oppenheimer examines landmark figures and cases—such as Mill, Humboldt, Pauli Murray, Thurgood Marshall, and modern corporate studies—to show how diversity has been defended and contested.
He addresses serious critiques, including Clarence Thomas's worry that diversity stereotypes minority viewpoints, and responds by showing how lived experience can enrich judgment.
The book aims to reposition diversity as a central liberal democratic principle and practical wealth- and knowledge-creating mechanism.
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Andrew Keen
David Oppenheimer
Different Minds Are Great: David Oppenheimer on the Diversity Principle
