But Wilson and West, seated facing each other on the stage, presented their visions in very different ways.
Wilson described in some detail his conception of a multiracial political constituency, citing psychological research on interdependence.
West plunged into broad questions of what it is to be human, modern and American, expressing his vision of the "lives of everyday people shot through with a majestic, powerful spirit just as the lives of the elite are."
Dan V. Hamilton, an audience member, said that he "expected West to be more inspirational and expansive, and Wilson to be more of a social scientist." His expectations were fulfilled. "Wilson has some nuts and bolts," he said, "but West gets you thinking big thoughts."
Wilson will speak again tomorrow night on the question of "Can America Bridge the Racial Divide?" at a panel at the Kennedy School.