Center for Social Concerns

Virtues of Discourse: The Notre Dame Pledge

As a member of the University dedicated to Our Lady, whose son said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” I embrace the obligation to seek and speak truth. I therefore pledge to practice, to the best of my ability, the following virtues when engaging in political, social, cultural, or religious dialogues. I especially commit to practicing these virtues in my exchanges with those whose views and values differ from my own.

1. Honesty—I will make arguments based on what I understand to be the truth of the case, consistent with my own experience of it, and I will avoid deception, distortion and equivocation.

2. Knowledge—When engaging in public or private argument, I will endeavor to grasp to the fullest extent possible the issues of the case and others’ perspectives on them, and will refrain from making arguments about matters on which I am not yet sufficiently informed.

3. Accountability—I will support the claims I make with good reasons, or evidence, that can be checked and tested.

4. Generosity—I will listen carefully, thoughtfully, and respectfully to the other side in an argument. I will consider how my own biases may inhibit me from appreciating viewpoints contrary to my own. I will endeavor to ensure that I understand others’ meanings and intentions before I argue against them.

5. Humility—I will always consider the possibility that I might be wrong. When I realize that I have been wrong, I will readily acknowledge it.

6. Courage—When called for, I will speak clearly and forcefully for ideas that may be unpopular or even reviled. I will persist in speaking for my beliefs even when mine is a minority voice.

7. Judgment—I will work to develop the wisdom to know which virtues apply in which situations, and how my arguments may ultimately contribute to the common good.

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The Notre Dame Pledge for Virtuous Discourse was written by John Duffy, Associate Professor of English, English Department and the Francis O'Malley Director, University Writing Program.