Michael Thaddeus, a Columbia University math professor, joins for a deep dive into academic dishonesty, focusing on how universities manipulate U.S. News rankings. The discussion unpacks the absurdities of Columbia’s data reporting, raising questions about the integrity of prestigious institutions. They humorously establish the Pushkin Prizes to honor such deceit, while exploring the broader implications of self-promotion and the influence of social media in academia. It’s a candid look at the intersection of ethics, deception, and public perception.
