Professor Shobita Parthasarthy and a colleague have launched “The Received Wisdom”, a new podcast that will explore the potential of science and technology by challenging commonly held wisdom.
On Monday, September 23, “The Received Wisdom” launched its first full episode. In it, climate and tech activism are highlighted by guest Daniel Sarewitz, co-director, Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes and Professor of Science and Society at the School of the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University.
The podcast, available on all major outlets (including Google Play and Apple Podcasts), is co-hosted by Shobita Parthasarathy, Professor of Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program and Jack Stilgoe, Senior Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology Studies at University College London. Throughout the series, the hosts interrogate opportunities to realize the potential of science and technology by challenging received wisdom. The podcast engages with thinkers and doers from around the world about developing and governing science and technology to make the world a better place.
Discussions challenge the commonly-held notion that investments in technological advancement are always a net positive for society. The co-hosts seek to expand the conversation to explore the benefits and challenges presented by scientific discovery and changing technology, further public discourse on the moral and ethical implications of this advancement, and explore policies that should be implemented to regulate it.
The podcast producers aim to reach audiences within the academy and beyond. Potential listeners include policymakers, activists, scientists, and engineers who may be uncomfortable with unfolding tech and are curious about how we can best ensure that advancing tech yields to citizen concerns, and does a better job of benefiting society and the environment.
Ready to tune in? Listeners can connect to the podcast here.
Be sure to stay connected! This episode is the first of many exciting discussions to come. In a few weeks, The Received Wisdom’s next episode will feature an interview with Ruha Benjamin, Associate Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, discussing her recently published book, Race After Technology.