On August 25 at 6:00 PM, the Library of the Gaidar Institute and the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences (MSSES) will host a discussion of Stanislav Andreski’s book Social Sciences as Sorcery.
In his provocative and witty work, British sociologist of Polish origin Stanislav Andreski (1919–2007) offers a scathing critique of the state of modern social sciences. The author argues that much of sociological and psychological research has turned into a kind of “academic sorcery” — a ritualized production of pseudoscientific texts that disguise trivial observations with complex terminology and methodological formalism.
Andreski draws vivid parallels between traditional magical practices and contemporary social research, showing how the academic establishment uses obscure jargon and methodological rituals to maintain its status — often without producing truly useful knowledge. He calls for a return to clear thinking, lucid expression, and a genuinely scientific approach in the social sciences.
Speakers:
- Irina Dudenkova, PhD in Philosophy, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at MSSES
- Ilya Inshakov, PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor, Faculty of Humanities, MSSES
- Stepan Kozlov, MA in Sociology, Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, MSSES
Date and time:
August 25, 6:00 PM
Venue:
Library of the Gaidar Institute, MSSES (3–5 Gazetny Lane, Building 1, 5th Floor)
Please register to attend. Bring your passport for building access.