ABSTRACT
Diversity and pluralism, realities of modern society in much of the world, have long been characteristic of academic communities. In both the humanities and the sciences it is rare that any two members of the same academic department share exactly the same specialization, even when they agree on theoretical orientation. Theoretical diversity sometimes exists within an institution, but it is more likely to differentiate one program from another. Differences, even disputes, over theory are, in fact, at the heart of the intellectual enterprise. To question a theory, to uncover new evidence to support or refute a hypothesis, to reinterpret a known text, to bring into consideration an idea that has been neglected, these are critical to the advancement of knowledge. Such challenges are possible precisely because the members of a discipline differ from one another, in perspectives, assumptions, theories, and methods.
