ABSTRACT
The widespread demand for pluralism calls for a fundamental rethinking of how economics is conceptualized and taught. This chapter offers workable suggestions to improve pluralism and make it more effective. The first section discusses elements of pluralism, including its definition, whether anything goes, the theoretical arguments in favor of pluralism, the supporting evidence, the need for assessment, and the important issue of whether pluralism should be Disciplinary, Multi-Disciplinary, Interdisciplinary, or Trans-Disciplinary. The second section discusses specific ways to improve/increase pluralism, including a radical reconception of economics education, the need to introduce pluralism sooner rather than later, whose responsibility it is to teach pluralism, what the individual teacher can do, the need for active learning, resuscitating courses in the history of economic thought, returning to the older label of Political Economy, and recognizing and welcoming a pluralism of gender and identity. The final section concludes by arguing that to be most effective these solutions should not be implemented piecemeal, but rather as a concerted, holistic effort.
