Talk by Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri in D.U. Colloquium

Social Sciences, the University and Science Today: Challenges and Possibilities Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri, an eminent sociologist, academician, who is the Chairperson of the Centre for the Study of Social System and the Coordinator of the UGC-CAS, School of Social Sciences, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi was the speaker in the Colloquium for the month of May, 2014 on 23rd May, 2014 Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri, who is renowned for her extensive works on the Sociology of Gender and Pedagogy, spoke on the topic- Social Sciences, The University and Science Today: Challenges and Possibilities. In her lecture she discussed about some of the important dimensions of the interloc theoretical knowledge. Such a practice would increase the employability of the knowledge of Social Sciences as well as contribute in enriching the Philosophy of Social Sciences. Prof. Chaudhuri emphasized that the cultivation of practical skills include a better understanding of scientific methods, language skills and pragmatism. However drawing on the suggestions of Martha Nussbaum and C.N. Rao, she cautioned the vigilant teachers of Social Sciences regarding the difference between economic and scientific competitiveness, between Professional and Polytechnic education and between utilitarianism and practice of knowledge. On the other hand in order to develop the theoretical repository of the Social Sciences, social scientist and teachers should combine empiricism with critical thinking. Rather than accepting the existing concepts and methods an attempt must be made by the social scientist to act as agents of new concepts and revise the existing body of knowledge that will benefit in increasing the significance of Social Sciences in the educational system and society. For this purpose the understanding of social phenomenon and social problems should be contextualized. They must be analysed in the light of their history of emergence and development. Compartmentalization of information and knowledge should be avoided and interdisciplinary understanding of social issues should be encouraged. Addressing the concerns raised by teachers and scholars of the university in an interactive session, Prof. Chaudhuri encouraged them to overcome the existing limitations of educational institutions by taking a pro active role in initiating new pedagogies and increasing interdepartmental cooperation within the university and with other institutions of higher learning in the country as well as abroad.