Professors in the Pub: Why Research?

Cada mes, acérquese al Café des Taxis para tomar una copa y debatir importantes acontecimientos mundiales con profesores y expertos en la materia. Comparta sus preguntas y puntos de vista y únase a la larga tradición de la política en el pub. 

Este mes:

Ought we research topics that are close to our hearts, or that fire us up in some way? Increasingly, it seems, academics and students are answering “absolutely yes” to these questions. In a sense, it was ever thus; to not care about one’s topic seems to run counter to some of our most cherished academic principles.

But can it be dangerous to take on topics in which we are personally invested? Should we write for what’s fashionable and marketable in the moment? Is there a case to be made for “disinterested research”? Is there some kind of happy medium between two extremes? Should we give a damn about our research—and our findings? And what is the impact of AI on these questions?

Venga a debatir estas preguntas y a plantear las suyas en March 14, 2024, at 6:30 pm in Café des Taxi.

The lead professor will be Gerald Power, Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy.