Deep disagreements are often not resolved by better arguments. They arise from conflicting worldviews and unequal power structures. Philosopher Thirza Lagewaard argues for accepting lasting disagreement and for institutions that both allow for difference and enable societal progress.
Diverging views on values, facts, and worldviews are part of a healthy society. Disagreement can be a driving force. It may prompt us to re-examine our own beliefs and learn from others. Lagewaard says: “But when disagreements become extreme, they can hinder society. Sometimes, clashing worldviews can even lead to violence.”
Different Worldviews
According to Lagewaard, deep disagreements, such as those around religion, Zwarte Piet, or immigration are systemic in nature. They don’t concern a single fact, but an entire cluster of interconnected facts. These kinds of disagreements are serious, as they are often not resolvable through rational debate. “In a way, we are dealing with entirely different worldviews. Adding more arguments won’t convince the other side. This explains why discussions on climate change, public health measures, or social justice so often end in deadlock or worse.”
Epistemic Injustice
Lagewaard identifies epistemic injustice as a key obstacle. “Some people, due to their identity, gender, or social position, are wrongly not recognised as credible knowers.” As an example, she refers to the Zwarte Piet debate. “What could have been a discussion about a folkloric tradition became a polarised deadlock over (among other things) the reality of racism, where each side feels the other simply ‘doesn’t get it’. A major factor here was the unwillingness or inability to accept the lived experiences of people of colour as a legitimate source of knowledge.”
Acceptance
Lagewaard calls for a different approach. “Progress requires new strategies, such as accepting that not everyone will agree. Recognise that in a democratic society, conflict is both permanent and inevitable, and do not see opponents as enemies, but as legitimate adversaries within a shared political community.”