Dan Abnett

‘In the grim darkness of the far future…’ This month, we try and take on the Warhammer universe by reading the Eisenhorn Trilogy, by Dan Abnett. Does knowledge require being tempted by what you are studying? Is the rule of awesome a good enough setting for a universe? And where are the women? Join us as we discuss Eisenhorn, the Warhammer universe more widely, and whether shared universes are an interesting way of world building. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/40k.mp3 Contributors: Charlotte Botfield John Wood Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

‘In the grim darkness of the far future…’ This month, we try and take on the Warhammer universe by reading the Eisenhorn Trilogy, by Dan Abnett. Does knowledge require being tempted by what you are studying? Is the rule of awesome a good enough setting for a universe? And where are the women? Join us as we discuss Eisenhorn, the Warhammer universe more widely, and whether shared universes are an interesting way of world building. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/40k.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/40k.mp3</a> Contributors: Charlotte Botfield John Wood Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

[032] Social Science Talks: Warhammer and The Eisenhorn Trilogy, by Dan Abnett

‘It was a bright cold morning in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen…’ After much pressure, and the election of Donald Trump, we finally get round to covering 1984 by George Orwell. How does the book hold up today? Do we use the word Orwellian too much? And is there something distinctively English about Orwell’s writing? It’s a book that has come up a lot recently, so join us as we desperately try to stay on topic and fail miserably. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/1984Edited.mp3 Contributors: Danielle Young Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Jim Chisolm

‘It was a bright cold morning in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen…’ After much pressure, and the election of Donald Trump, we finally get round to covering 1984 by George Orwell. How does the book hold up today? Do we use the word Orwellian too much? And is there something distinctively English about Orwell’s writing? It’s a book that has come up a lot recently, so join us as we desperately try to stay on topic and fail miserably. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/1984Edited.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/1984Edited.mp3</a> Contributors: Danielle Young Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Jim Chisolm

[031] Social Science Talks: 1984, by George Orwell

Philip Pullman

“I stopped believing there was a power of good and a power of evil that were outside us. And I came to believe that good and evil are names for what people do, not for what they are.” This month, we revisit our childhood memories of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. What is a daemon? How can animals have wheels? Join us as we discuss its criticism of the church, authority, and whether Ms. Coulter is the most interesting character in the series. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DarkMaterials.mp3 Contributors Charlotte Botfield Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

“I stopped believing there was a power of good and a power of evil that were outside us. And I came to believe that good and evil are names for what people do, not for what they are.” This month, we revisit our childhood memories of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. What is a daemon? How can animals have wheels? Join us as we discuss its criticism of the church, authority, and whether Ms. Coulter is the most interesting character in the series. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DarkMaterials.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DarkMaterials.mp3</a> Contributors Charlotte Botfield Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

[030] Social Science Talks: His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman

The Babylon Project was a dream given form… It’s a new year, and carrying through on a resolution that we’ve had since we started the podcast, we got together to discuss Babylon 5. Join us as we discuss handwaving in sci-fi, the necessity of ambition, and how it holds up. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Bab_5.mp3   Contributors Matthew Campbell John Wood Alex Hoseason

The Babylon Project was a dream given form… It’s a new year, and carrying through on a resolution that we’ve had since we started the podcast, we got together to discuss Babylon 5. Join us as we discuss handwaving in sci-fi, the necessity of ambition, and how it holds up. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Bab_5.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Bab_5.mp3</a> Contributors Matthew Campbell John Wood Alex Hoseason

[029] Social Science Talks: Babylon 5

Douglas Adams

So long, and thanks for all the fish! As we wind down for Christmas, we crank up the improbability drive to a level where it produces, fully formed, and episode on the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Join us as Charlotte has to continue her quest to find a happy science fiction novel, Danielle contemplates her place in the universe, and we drop far too many references. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HhgttgEdited.mp3 Contributors Charlotte Botfield Alex Hoseason Danielle Young Matthew Campbell

So long, and thanks for all the fish! As we wind down for Christmas, we crank up the improbability drive to a level where it produces, fully formed, and episode on the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Join us as Charlotte has to continue her quest to find a happy science fiction novel, Danielle contemplates her place in the universe, and we drop far too many references. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HhgttgEdited.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HhgttgEdited.mp3</a> Contributors Charlotte Botfield Alex Hoseason Danielle Young Matthew Campbell

[028] Social Science Talks: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

Margaret Atwood

“We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.” Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is a landmark work of speculative fiction that deals directly with questions of women’s agency in a fervently religious society. Dealing directly with womens’ role in reproduction and providing for society, Atwood’s novel gives us shocking insights into a society rendered infertile by pollution. Join Lydia, Jess and Matthew as they discuss the novel, its characters, and its relationship to politics today. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HMT.mp3 Contributors Jess Shahan Lydia Cole Matthew Campbell

“We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.” Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is a landmark work of speculative fiction that deals directly with questions of women’s agency in a fervently religious society. Dealing directly with womens’ role in reproduction and providing for society, Atwood’s novel gives us shocking insights into a society rendered infertile by pollution. Join Lydia, Jess and Matthew as they discuss the novel, its characters, and its relationship to politics today. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HMT.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/HMT.mp3</a> Contributors Jess Shahan Lydia Cole Matthew Campbell

[026] Social Science Talks: The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Following the 50th Anniversary and the recent film Star Trek: Beyond, we sit down at Social Sci-Fi towers to discuss what we love and hate about the Star Trek franchise. Does Star Trek today present the same humanistic ideas as Gene Roddenberry did back in the day? Join us as we discuss the best captain, space racism and the gendered nature of naval vessels.   https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/StarTrek.mp3 Contributors Jess Shahan Matthew Campbell Yvonne Rinkart Alex Hoseason

Following the 50th Anniversary and the recent film Star Trek: Beyond, we sit down at Social Sci-Fi towers to discuss what we love and hate about the Star Trek franchise. Does Star Trek today present the same humanistic ideas as Gene Roddenberry did back in the day? Join us as we discuss the best captain, space racism and the gendered nature of naval vessels. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/StarTrek.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/StarTrek.mp3</a> Contributors Jess Shahan Matthew Campbell Yvonne Rinkart Alex Hoseason

[025] Social Science Talks: Star Trek

“The Fremen were supreme in that quality the ancients called “spannungsbogen” — which is the self-imposed delay between desire for a thing and the act of reaching out to grasp that thing.”     For our 24th episode, join us as we discuss Frank Herbert’s Dune; a key touchstone for science fiction, from sandworms to psychoactive drugs and ecology. What is desert power? Is the planet of Arrakis the most interesting character? And how does Dune reflect ecological ideas?   https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DuneTablet.mp3 Contributors John Wood Philip Conway Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

“The Fremen were supreme in that quality the ancients called “spannungsbogen” — which is the self-imposed delay between desire for a thing and the act of reaching out to grasp that thing.”   For our 24th episode, join us as we discuss Frank Herbert’s Dune; a key touchstone for science fiction, from sandworms to psychoactive drugs and ecology. What is desert power? Is the planet of Arrakis the most interesting character? And how does Dune reflect ecological ideas? <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DuneTablet.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/DuneTablet.mp3</a> Contributors John Wood Philip Conway Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason

[024] Social Science Talks: Dune, by Frank Herbert

It’s conference season once again, and Matthew got the long train to Edinburgh in order to talk to Professor Penny Fielding about spies and genre fiction. It’s a great follow up to our past episode on Agent Carter, so if you haven’t heard that yet – check it out! https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PennyFielding.mp3   Contributors: Matthew Campbell Professor Penny Fielding

It’s conference season once again, and Matthew got the long train to Edinburgh in order to talk to Professor <a href="http://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/penny" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Penny Fielding</a> about spies and genre fiction. It’s a great follow up to our past episode on <a href="https://socialsciencetalks.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/007-social-science-talks-agent-carter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agent Carter</a>, so if you haven’t heard that yet – check it out! <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PennyFielding.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PennyFielding.mp3</a> Contributors: Matthew Campbell Professor Penny Fielding

[023] Social Science Interviews: Penny Fielding, on Spies and Genre Fiction

After a film night at Social Science Towers, Alex, Matt, Jess and Bleddyn discuss the beginning of the large-scale disaster film, Independence Day. Join us as we discuss 90s pop culture, how to judge the quality of an explosion and whether it really is the Jeff Goldblumiest film ever made.   https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/22IndependenceDay.mp3   Contributors: Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Jess Shahan Bleddyn Bowen

After a film night at Social Science Towers, Alex, Matt, Jess and Bleddyn discuss the beginning of the large-scale disaster film, Independence Day. Join us as we discuss 90s pop culture, how to judge the quality of an explosion and whether it really is the Jeff Goldblumiest film ever made. <a href="https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/22IndependenceDay.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/22IndependenceDay.mp3</a> Contributors: Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Jess Shahan Bleddyn Bowen

[022] Social Science Talks: Independence Day

A podcast in which social scientists, philosophers and researchers discuss the themes and works of science fiction.

Super. Deep and intelligent conversations about the literature. I&#39;ll give it a 5th star if they improve the sound quality.

Excellent Programme

Social Science Talks Science Fiction » Podcasts

Mary Shelley

I have thus endeavoured to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature, while I have not scrupled to innovate upon their combinations. Today we discuss Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, quite possibly the first work of science fiction. Beginning with its importance to science fiction, we work through many of the themes that have come up again and again in our readings of more modern science fiction novels, and discuss how and why these are so important. What is it that makes Frankenstein’s creation so terrifying, and is it possible to portray that today? https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/FrankensteinPodcast.mp3 Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Carolin Kaltofen Jess Shahan

I have thus endeavoured to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature, while I have not scrupled to innovate upon their combinations. Today we discuss Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, quite possibly the first work of science fiction. Beginning with its importance to science fiction, we work through many of the themes that have come up again and again in our readings of more modern science fiction novels, and discuss how and why these are so important. What is it that makes Frankenstein’s creation so terrifying, and is it possible to portray that today? <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/FrankensteinPodcast.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/FrankensteinPodcast.mp3</a> Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Carolin Kaltofen Jess Shahan

[011] Social Science Talks: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

Come on you apes, do you want to live forever? Continuing his march through the hostile environment of BISA 2015, Matt tracks down Malte Riemann, Senior Lecturer at Sandhurst to discuss Heinlein’s 1959 novel Starship Troopers. Uncertain of how to tackle such a conversation, he calls in an orbital drop-pod containing Alex, and together they work through ideas civil-military relations, republicanism, technofascism, and the nature of the common good. https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Malte_Reimann_Starship_Troopers_1_.mp3 Contributors Malte Riemann Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell

Come on you apes, do you want to live forever? Continuing his march through the hostile environment of BISA 2015, Matt tracks down Malte Riemann, Senior Lecturer at Sandhurst to discuss Heinlein’s 1959 novel Starship Troopers. Uncertain of how to tackle such a conversation, he calls in an orbital drop-pod containing Alex, and together they work through ideas civil-military relations, republicanism, technofascism, and the nature of the common good. <a href="https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Malte_Reimann_Starship_Troopers_1_.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Malte_Reimann_Starship_Troopers_1_.mp3</a> Contributors Malte Riemann Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell

[009] Social Science Talks: Starship Troopers

Alan Moore

Dave Gibbons

Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon. That’s always been the difference between us, Daniel.  Today, we deal with Watchmen, because Matt had the bright idea of doing a graphic novel on an audio-only podcast. We talk over whether we consider the characters heroes, inevitability in the story, and whether Dr. Manhattan is God. Also Able Archer, and Sarah’s adventures through the medium of graphic novels. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Watchmen.mp3 Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Bleddyn Bowen Sarah Jamal

Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon. That’s always been the difference between us, Daniel. Today, we deal with Watchmen, because Matt had the bright idea of doing a graphic novel on an audio-only podcast. We talk over whether we consider the characters heroes, inevitability in the story, and whether Dr. Manhattan is God. Also Able Archer, and Sarah’s adventures through the medium of graphic novels. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Watchmen.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Watchmen.mp3</a> Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Bleddyn Bowen Sarah Jamal

[013] Social Science Talks: Watchmen, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

“Word spread because word will spread. Stories and secrets fight, stories win, shed new secrets, which new stories fight, and on.”   This month we discuss Embassytown, by China Miéville. Set in a far outpost of the Empire of Bremen, Embassytown exists in an ecosystem governed by the enigmatic Hosts, who can only say what is. However, changes in the status quo take us on an adventure through the philosophy of language, the Fall, social engineering and a dangerous addiction. Join us as Matt makes a word, Kat gets metaphorical, and new contributor Phil argues that Alex should get over his hatred of plots.   https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Embassytown.mp3   Contributors Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Katharina Hone Philip Conway

“Word spread because word will spread. Stories and secrets fight, stories win, shed new secrets, which new stories fight, and on.” This month we discuss Embassytown, by China Miéville. Set in a far outpost of the Empire of Bremen, Embassytown exists in an ecosystem governed by the enigmatic Hosts, who can only say what is. However, changes in the status quo take us on an adventure through the philosophy of language, the Fall, social engineering and a dangerous addiction. Join us as Matt makes a word, Kat gets metaphorical, and new contributor Phil argues that Alex should get over his hatred of plots. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Embassytown.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Embassytown.mp3</a> Contributors Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Katharina Hone Philip Conway

[20] Social Science Talks: Embassytown, by China Miéville

Marge Piercy

What would you do if your actions would change the course of history? Lydia, Charlotte, Sorana and Jess take the spotlight on the podcast this month in this episode, recorded for International Womens’ Day. They discuss Marge Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time, a classic of feminist science fiction which centres on the actions of Connie, whose confrontation with the future has radical consequences. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WomanOnTheEdgeOfTime.mp3 Contributors: Charlotte Botfield Jess Shahan Lydia Cole Sorana Jude

What would you do if your actions would change the course of history? Lydia, Charlotte, Sorana and Jess take the spotlight on the podcast this month in this episode, recorded for International Womens’ Day. They discuss Marge Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time, a classic of feminist science fiction which centres on the actions of Connie, whose confrontation with the future has radical consequences. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WomanOnTheEdgeOfTime.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WomanOnTheEdgeOfTime.mp3</a> Contributors: Charlotte Botfield Jess Shahan Lydia Cole Sorana Jude

[019] Social Science Talks: Woman on the Edge of Time, by Marge Piercy

“We did not ask if he had seen any monsters, for monsters have ceased to be news. There is never any shortage of horrible creatures who prey on human beings, snatch away their food, or devour whole populations; but examples of wise social planning are not so easy to find.” 500 Years after it was first published, Utopia remains an important example of a counterfactual narrative that invites us to examine what society might be like, or might become, if organised under different principles. Join us as we discuss property, Marxism, Christianity and whether Thomas More holds a 500-year old record for the best puns in science fiction. Utopia was recently dramatised for BBC Radio 4; you can listen to it here. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Utopia.mp3   Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Matthew Rees Yvonne Rinkart

“We did not ask if he had seen any monsters, for monsters have ceased to be news. There is never any shortage of horrible creatures who prey on human beings, snatch away their food, or devour whole populations; but examples of wise social planning are not so easy to find.” 500 Years after it was first published, Utopia remains an important example of a counterfactual narrative that invites us to examine what society might be like, or might become, if organised under different principles. Join us as we discuss property, Marxism, Christianity and whether Thomas More holds a 500-year old record for the best puns in science fiction. Utopia was recently dramatised for BBC Radio 4; you can listen to it <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06y9b6t" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Utopia.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/Utopia.mp3</a> Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Matthew Rees Yvonne Rinkart

[021] Social Science Talks: Utopia, By Thomas More

“No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own; that as men busied themselves about their various concerns they were scrutinised and studied, perhaps almost as narrowly as a man with a microscope might scrutinise the transient creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.”  Bleddyn chose War of the Worlds for this month, and we decided to deal with the book rather than the musical, which was his original idea. What ARE the chances of anything coming from Mars? How is the novel symptomatic of colonialism? And whatever happened to the Torpedo Ram? Join us as we discuss these questions and more. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WarOfTheWorldsFull.mp3 Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Charlotte Botfield Bleddyn Bowen

“No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own; that as men busied themselves about their various concerns they were scrutinised and studied, perhaps almost as narrowly as a man with a microscope might scrutinise the transient creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.” Bleddyn chose War of the Worlds for this month, and we decided to deal with the book rather than the musical, which was his original idea. What ARE the chances of anything coming from Mars? How is the novel symptomatic of colonialism? And whatever happened to the Torpedo Ram? Join us as we discuss these questions and more. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WarOfTheWorldsFull.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/WarOfTheWorldsFull.mp3</a> Contributors Matthew Campbell Alex Hoseason Charlotte Botfield Bleddyn Bowen

[014] Social Science Talks: War of the Worlds, by HG Wells

Common misconception that; that fun is relaxing. If it is, you’re not doing it right.  Would you like to play a game? This month, we read the Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks, and follow one of the Culture’s Master-game-players to a gaming competition that has little, if any, relationship to play. On the way we discuss our relationship to games, how Yvonne manages to teach using games, and whether victory is important. https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PlayerOfGamesEdited.mp3 Participants Alex ‘Failstate’ Hoseason Matthew ‘Blood Bowl’ Campbell Yvonne ‘Papers Please’ Rinkart John ‘Probably playing XCOM’ Wood

Common misconception that; that fun is relaxing. If it is, you’re not doing it right. Would you like to play a game? This month, we read the Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks, and follow one of the Culture’s Master-game-players to a gaming competition that has little, if any, relationship to play. On the way we discuss our relationship to games, how Yvonne manages to teach using games, and whether victory is important. <a href="https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PlayerOfGamesEdited.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia802703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/PlayerOfGamesEdited.mp3</a> Participants Alex ‘Failstate’ Hoseason Matthew ‘Blood Bowl’ Campbell Yvonne ‘Papers Please’ Rinkart John ‘Probably playing XCOM’ Wood

[018] Social Science Talks: The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks

Georg Loefflmann

It’s been a rough month here at Social Science Towers, and we were unable to record a new episode. Luckily for you, we have an interview with friend of the podcast Georg Loefflmann instead. We found Georg walking around a hotel in Sicily, and managed to coax him into chatting a little about Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick, which has recently been made into a series by Amazon Studios. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/ManInTheHighCastle.mp3

It’s been a rough month here at Social Science Towers, and we were unable to record a new episode. Luckily for you, we have an interview with friend of the podcast Georg Loefflmann instead. We found Georg walking around a hotel in Sicily, and managed to coax him into chatting a little about Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick, which has recently been made into a series by Amazon Studios. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/ManInTheHighCastle.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/ManInTheHighCastle.mp3</a>

[015] Social Science Interviews: Georg Loefflmann, on Man in the High Castle

Kurt Vonnegut

I have told my sons that they are not under any circumstances to take part in massacres, and that the news of massacres of enemies is not to fill them with satisfaction or glee. I have also told them not to work for companies which make massacre machinery, and to express contempt for people who think we need machinery like that.    This month, we discuss Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Chosen by Alex, the book attempts to deliver on the idea of a non-linear narrative and was provoked by the bombing of Dresden in World War II. Join us as we try to figure out if Billy Pilgrim is the author, argue over whether it is an anti-war book and discuss whether the Tralfamadorians are real or not.   https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SlaughterhouseFive.mp3   Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Gillian McFadyen Dyfan Powel

I have told my sons that they are not under any circumstances to take part in massacres, and that the news of massacres of enemies is not to fill them with satisfaction or glee. I have also told them not to work for companies which make massacre machinery, and to express contempt for people who think we need machinery like that. This month, we discuss Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Chosen by Alex, the book attempts to deliver on the idea of a non-linear narrative and was provoked by the bombing of Dresden in World War II. Join us as we try to figure out if Billy Pilgrim is the author, argue over whether it is an anti-war book and discuss whether the Tralfamadorians are real or not. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SlaughterhouseFive.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SlaughterhouseFive.mp3</a> Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Gillian McFadyen Dyfan Powel

[016] Social Science Talks: Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

In this episode, the discussion from Social SciFi Towers turns to Max Brooks’ World War Z, as well as Dan Drezner’s Theories of International Politics and Zombies. Why is it that zombies are so popular? And what use do they have in our teaching?  We first consider Drezner’s approach to the zombie apocalypse, and examine the way in which he uses zombies as a source of insecurity in order to demonstrate the tenets of various theories of International Politics. In search of the human factor, we then shuffle toward Brooks’ oral history of the zombie war and discuss its possible use in the classroom. On the way, we chew over the problem of whether theory can ever do justice to the horror of facing down a million hungry undead, the ethics involved in conducting oral history, and whether Matt will ever admit that in the cold light of the apocalypse, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s ‘World War Zee’ or ‘World War Zed’ https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/006TheZombieEpisode.mp3 Contributors: Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Charlotte Botfield Yvonne Rinkart

In this episode, the discussion from Social SciFi Towers turns to Max Brooks’ World War Z, as well as Dan Drezner’s Theories of International Politics and Zombies. Why is it that zombies are so popular? And what use do they have in our teaching? We first consider Drezner’s approach to the zombie apocalypse, and examine the way in which he uses zombies as a source of insecurity in order to demonstrate the tenets of various theories of International Politics. In search of the human factor, we then shuffle toward Brooks’ oral history of the zombie war and discuss its possible use in the classroom. On the way, we chew over the problem of whether theory can ever do justice to the horror of facing down a million hungry undead, the ethics involved in conducting oral history, and whether Matt will ever admit that in the cold light of the apocalypse, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s ‘World War Zee’ or ‘World War Zed’ <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/006TheZombieEpisode.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/006TheZombieEpisode.mp3</a> Contributors: Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Charlotte Botfield Yvonne Rinkart

[006] Social Science Talks: Zombies

Neal Stephenson

We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information.  This month, we dive deep into Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson. One of the quintessential cyberpunk novels, it follows the hacker Hiro Protagonist as he navigates the complex relationship between the real and virtual worlds on the trail of a conspiracy that threatens the metaverse. We discuss how the novel navigates the divide between the two, how we ‘exist’ online (and why Alex’s parents haven’t quite figured it out yet), and how mobility defines social standing. https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SnowCrash.mp3 Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Sorana Jude John Wood

We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information. This month, we dive deep into Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson. One of the quintessential cyberpunk novels, it follows the hacker Hiro Protagonist as he navigates the complex relationship between the real and virtual worlds on the trail of a conspiracy that threatens the metaverse. We discuss how the novel navigates the divide between the two, how we ‘exist’ online (and why Alex’s parents haven’t quite figured it out yet), and how mobility defines social standing. <a href="https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SnowCrash.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ia902703.us.archive.org/29/items/socialsciencetalks/SnowCrash.mp3</a> Participants Alex Hoseason Matthew Campbell Sorana Jude John Wood

[017] Social Science Talks: Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson

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