Making use of a range of funding, networking and engagement mechanisms to discover innovations that can help humans flourish in a world confronted with increasing polarization.
Polarization Effects everyone
It is a complex and increasingly pressing issue that speaks to some of the fundamental questions surrounding human flourishing. We don’t expect to solve the problems associated with polarization completely. Instead, we seek to help societies flourish in a world where increasing polarization is becoming more common.
In the context of Listening and Learning in a Polarized World, we think of polarization as both an opportunity to precipitate progress from competition (if the polarization can be resolved), and a potential threat to our flourishing (if the polarization is not resolved).
Opportunities for progress may arise when we are better able to listen to and learn from each other in a range of contexts. Conversely, potential threats may arise in polarizing situations leading to erosion of trust in institutions or to intense dislike, dehumanization, or reduced empathy for those on the other side. This can lead to a range of problems, including violent conflict and economic disruption.
We believe that all kinds of progress in society, whether spiritual, economic, physical, or social, will require connection amongst those with opposing views to work together towards solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Such practices should be able to scale continuously to cope with increasing polarization.
About Listening and Learning in a Polarized World
Templeton World Charity Foundation has launched Listening and Learning in a Polarized World (LLPW) to support research for new scientific discoveries that can help humans flourish in a world confronted with increasing polarization. It is a direct output of our five-year strategy to support new scientific research on human flourishing and to translate related discoveries into practical tools for dissemination.