What are the Functions of the Social Sciences in Liberal Democracy?

Abstract

In this paper Kusch criticizes authors -- such as S. Turner, M. Burawoy, or P. Kitcher -- who seek to define the functions of the social sciences using a Rawlsian or Habermasian conception of liberal pluralism or ideal-deliberative democracy. He defends an alternative way to think about the functions of the social sciences; this way takes its lead from R. Geuss' realist political philosophy and C. Mouffe's "agonistic pluralism".

The event is also part of the UWC "How to think about science".