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New Books Network

Aure Schrock on Politics Recoded: The Infrastructural Organizing of Code for America

Feb 24, 2025
Aure Schrock, an interdisciplinary technology scholar and editor at The Indelible Voice, dives into the evolution of Code for America in their insightful conversation. They discuss how civic hacking has transformed from a tech-forward ideology to modern digital consulting for governments. Schrock highlights the importance of a critical approach to technology in politics and shares experiences from coaching academics in refining their writing. The dialogue also explores community engagement through initiatives that support marginalized voices and tackle urban challenges.
01:36:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Aure Schrock critiques the misapplication of the term 'critical' in academia, arguing it hampers genuine reflection and inquiry in social sciences.
  • The concept of infrastructural organizing promotes local, collaborative actions that empower individuals to address community challenges traditionally managed by government.

Deep dives

Abuse of the Term 'Critical'

The podcast discusses how the term 'critical' has been misused in the humanities and social sciences, losing its original meaning and intent. Critical philosophy, rooted in the works of Immanuel Kant and later adopted by the Frankfurt School, emphasizes the necessity of reflexively examining common assumptions in society to reveal their constructs. This misuse results in a standardized way of thinking that diminishes the genuine critical reflection needed for learning. The discussion critiques superficial criticisms of technology and corporate dynamics, highlighting the need for deeper inquiry and understanding in academic discourse.

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