Last year, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argued that recent conflicts at institutions of higher education are rooted in conflicting assessments of their telos, or core purpose.

Is it to seek truth or to advance social justice?

Those missions aren’t always at odds. But in Haidt’s view, they are presently coming into conflict often enough that the status quo is unmanageable. “Universities will have to choose, and be explicit about their choice, so that potential students and faculty recruits can make an informed choice,” he argued. “Universities that try to honor both will face increasing incoherence and internal conflict.”

Haidt’s argument came back to me when I received an email from an undergraduate science major at what she describes as a flagship state university. She is among the many Atlantic readers who have recently contributed thoughts about how Americans can live together in peace and prosperity despite our differences.

Her thoughts were shaped by the telos she has chosen on campus.

Some politically engaged college students are so certain in their convictions that they’re angry when classmates, speakers, or even professors express contrary views. But this one isn’t seeking to teach those around her so much as to learn about their beliefs.