Bruce Robbins

Alan Sokal, a mathematical physicist famous for his postmodernism hoax, joins literature professor Bruce Robbins, who offers insights on the politics of the academic left, and sociologist Steve Fuller, who provides historical context. They dive into the contentious 'Science Wars' of the 90s, discussing the impact of Cold War funding on science perceptions and the political fallout from Sokal's hoax in Social Text. The trio also explores how these debates have shaped today's 'post-truth' climate and the complex relationship between science and politics.