What We Owe to Each Other Is Inclusion: A Scanlonian Argument for Workforce DEI Practices

ABSTRACT Efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) require a strong normative foundation. Prior normative arguments help, but Scanlon's (1998) contractualism offers stronger foundations, especially as augmented by intersubjective reflection (IR) (Scharding & Warren, 2023). This article develops two such arguments. The first: serious inequities facing many employees and candidates outweigh concerns about those who may lose some opportunities despite slightly higher qualifications under traditional measures. The second, more novel argument: because companies affect groups differently, they must build diverse teams that can identify, prevent, and repair these inequities. In both contexts, IR cultivates empathy, building greater consensus and intergroup harmony.