Nov. 26, Evan Polman

Psychology of Progressivism


Watch the lecture here.

Van Hise notes about the Wisconsin Idea that any great scholar recognizes his “official duty as adviser of the state upon the subject of which he is an expert.” In celebration of the Wisconsin Idea, Van Hise proclaims, “So profoundly does the faculty believe in the university as an institution in the service of the state that it had placed upon the medal struck for the Jubilee the words: The University of Wisconsin commemorates fifty years of service to the commonwealth.” Yet, Van Hise adds caution: “Knowing the frequent tendency of many men to enlarge the importance of their own occupations I have sometimes wondered if the professors of the university unduly magnify their calling – that of investigators and disseminators of knowledge.” This talk traces the psychological aegis of Van Hise’s cautionary call. It asks the questions: What happens when people are credentialed into powerful positions in which their expert judgment is called upon? Does their power interfere with their ought-be beneficent judgment? Discussion will focus on the psychological effects of expert-power, as well as on practical methods organizations can use to lead people to make better decisions.

Check out the Facebook event for the lecture.

Stream the lecture live here November 26, 2020 at 6pm.

 

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