Aporia Podcast What would make for the perfect heterodox conference? | Emil Kirkegaard
Jun 15, 2025
Dive into the thrilling world of heterodoxy as the discussion uncovers its role in social sciences. Explore the tug-of-war between orthodox beliefs and brave new ideas, with real-world implications. The conversation takes a sharp turn into academia’s sociopolitical dynamics, highlighting student activism and the push against cancel culture. Envision the delicate art of planning a heterodox conference, balancing ideological diversity with the risks of controversial topics. It's a thought-provoking exploration of freedom in academic discourse!
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Understanding Heterodoxy
- Heterodox beliefs challenge prevailing societal or academic orthodoxies by deviating on important or taboo topics.
- Not all deviations are equal; truly heterodox ideas carry significant social or professional risks historically and presently.
Practical Definition of Heterodoxy
- What defines heterodoxy today often revolves around the social repercussions for holding those beliefs.
- Practical heterodoxy is better defined by what risks you face for expressing your views, not just statistical deviation.
Need for Self-Policing in Heterodox Groups
- Extreme heterodox groups tend to include people with very controversial beliefs that might bring negative publicity.
- A heterodox group must carefully self-police to avoid attracting harmful reputational risks.