Listening & Learning in a Polarized World
What we seek to accomplish
Polarization affects everyone
Polarization affects us all. 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 this Priority, 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 new five-year strategy to support new scientific research on human flourishing and to translate related discoveries into practical tools for dissemination.
Learn more about our approach and the opportunities we see to make progress in this field here.
Listening and Learning in a Polarized World (LLPW) makes 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.
How we will bring this area of inquiry to life
To execute these actions as a coherent program, the LLPW Priority will structure them around these ongoing activities:
Collaborative Relationships
Starting at launch, and for the majority of the project's duration, we will search for opportunities to partner with other funders and institutions to leverage our approach in the field. We will make strategic grants to facilitate these interactions and support collaborative efforts to grow the field. We will use networking and strategic grant development to explore a range of interactive opportunities.
Measurement, Learning & Evaluation
We will use measurement, learning, and evaluation activities to evaluate our progress through the life of LLPW and create an iterative process for structuring our activities.
Signature Grant Events
We will then commit the bulk of our resources through coordinated signature grant events.
Listening and Learning in a Polarized World: Polarization
Play this video for insights into why this area of focus matters for human flourishing.
Featured Projects
Exploring the Power of Immersion and Emotion for Intervention Design
The Cambridge Overcoming Polarization (COP) Seminar
Open research program launch and analysis: creating a blueprint, evidence and credit for collaborative open practices
An Open-Science Platform to Improve Deliberation and Reduce Polarization
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