In Social Sciences one can observe the tendency to separate empirical research from the discussion of its general philosophical conditions, which are frequently just alluded to or taken for granted - but never seriously, critically engaged with. At the end of the day, accurate theoretical enquiry doesn’t really seem to be part of the ‘game’ in many departments.
We believe that primacy of practical as well as methodological/normative concerns responds to the defensive necessity of strengthening the ‘scientific status’ and the identitarian boundaries of Social Sciences. Indeed these disciplines, apart from being intrinsically controversial and to a certain extent uncertain, are also facing a profound epistemological crisis - the same crisis announced by Foucault around 1966 in the last chapter of The Order of Things.
The result of what one could describe as a ‘theoretical/philosophical decline’ in favour of a more standardized technical approach is reflected in the large amount of academic papers and communications, which are repetitive, superficial, dry, intellectually un-stimulating, largely descriptive and speculative but definitely poor in thought.
Considering that one of the main aims of philosophy is the projection of thought beyond existent epistemological configurations, we believe that it constitutes a source from which social sciences cannot abstain from drawing inspiration. Indeed as for philosophy, the aim of research in social sciences should be that of continuously, critically, dynamically reinventing itself and its objects.
The awareness of a theoretical lack within our academic reality induced us, a collective of PhD students, to organize an independent, autodidactic initiative. The aim is to fill this lack (and counter the technical/normative turn) with autonomous, student-lead roundtables where new original outcomes of contemporary philosophy may be discussed, with a special emphasis on ‘continental’ thinkers. While researching new possible articulations between philosophy and social sciences, students’ own individual projects will be considered as being integral part of the discussion.
Through sharing knowledge and ideas as well as the occasional intervention of guests coming from other institutes, the Theory Discussion Group establishes itself as a new intellectual platform, open to the participation of all students.
Alessandro Zagato
Three events this week ...
11 years ago
