Harvard College Intellectual Vitality Statement
During spring 2020 a group of students convened to discuss campus climate and the critical need to develop principles around respectful dialogue and understanding not only among the student body but for the entire College community. From those conversations, the following statement was created:
Read the Statement
“Members of the Harvard College community affirm the value of intellectual vitality – meaning, a spirit of open and rigorous inquiry. To this end, we believe that our community is best served through the charitable exchange of ideas, where we take as given one another’s best intentions and treat each other as partners in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. In doing so, we recognize the importance of giving and receiving criticism of ideas without extending these critiques to people themselves. Further, an engagement with and sincere consideration of competing views lies at the heart of education more broadly.
To maintain a spirit of intellectual vitality, we must cultivate in ourselves an attitude of humility, respect, and curiosity toward each other. Through the spirit of intellectual vitality, we are able to strengthen our perspectives and reconsider foundational assumptions about the world, society, and our place in it – while this may prove discomforting, the capacity to test core ideas is a precondition of growing in wisdom and understanding.
All members of the Harvard College community therefore commit ourselves to uphold intellectual vitality in our respective capacities. We agree to foster this spirit of rigor, charity, and open exploration in classrooms, student organizations, and social interactions. ”
Our Commitment
To maintain a spirit of intellectual vitality, we must cultivate in ourselves an attitude of humility, respect, and genuine curiosity toward each other and to learn from one another.
Meet the Team
Matthew Sohm
Assistant Director of Pedagogy
Fellows in Value Engagement
In partnership with the Harvard College Dean of Students Office, the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics (ELSCE) is pleased to pilot a new Fellowship in Values Engagement (FiVE).
