In the winter of 2022, Zak Reimer talked with Hans Blokland about some core ideas behind Social Science Works and its projects: democracy, deliberation, populism, radicalization, discrimination, usable knowledge, among other things. By introducing short series discussing one or two issues, rather than long elaborate conversations, we hope to give you more insight, information or even inspiration to reflect on important social-political theories, methods and problems that SSW deals with.
In the first podcast (Episode 1; Part 1/1) we introduce you to our hosts of the podcasts and the founding ideas of Social Science Works. Founder of SSW, Hans Blokland, and fellow Zak Reimer, talk about the meaning and goals of SSW. How do we apply social-political theories to the real world, and put it to action? How can we find new ways for meaningful political participation of citizens? How can we counter trends of populism and radicalization? How do we define democracy and how is deliberation linked to this?
In Part 2 of Episode 1 we continue to dive into the importance of the concept deliberation. Deliberation is an important tool, or even feeling, that enables members of a community to discuss why current political situations are silencing society? How can we use deliberation and how is it effective for society? At SSW we have learned that through moderating a discussion, and providing a space for deliberation, we touch upon multiple issues simultaneously.
In Part 3 of Episode 1 we address pluralism. Pluralism is a key factor for deliberation. However, there are many forms of pluralism. Political pluralism and ethical pluralism go hand in hand, but are still distinctively different. What types of pluralism have an effect on deliberation, and with that on building a civil society?