The Real Network ProgCast

ProgCast

Should academics be allowed to think, write, and teach without unreasonable interference from the law, institutional regulations, or public pressure? What should the role of universities be in society? ProgCast is a podcast about academic freedom for progressives and free thinkers. Join Tami Jackson and Scott Roberts from Progress SA as they talk about dangerous ideas and the importance of critical thinking.

This series is brought to you with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
English South Africa Education · Society & Culture
5 Episodes

Introduction

Tami and Scott give an introduction to the series. They discuss why Progress SA cares about academic freedom and why it took up the fight against academic authoritarianism at the University of Cape Town. They also discuss the state of academic freedom — worldwide and across South Africa — as…
Season 1 / Episode 1 20 min

Prof David Benatar

Scott chats to David Benatar, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town. Benatar defines academic freedom and what kinds of activities count as violations of academic freedom. Should scholars be free to ignore postcolonial and critical race theory? What role does intellectual diversity have to play in the…
Season 1 / Episode 2 48 min

Prof Jonathan Jansen

Tami speaks to Prof Jonathan Jansen, past Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State. They discuss the effect that student protests at South African universities since 2015 have had on academic freedom in the country. Does academic freedom mean that there should be a limitation on students’…
Season 1 / Episode 3 46 min

Prof Nuraan Davids

Scott discusses democracy and the societal roles of universities with Prof Nuraan Davids, Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and author of a new text on academic freedom in South Africa, Universities, Pedagogical Encounters, Openness, and Free Speech. Davids highlights the democratic importance of being willing to listen to all…
Season 1 / Episode 4 40 min

Dr Max Price

Dr Max Price, past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, has an opportunity to respond to criticism levelled at him by other guests interviewed in the series. Scott asks him about UCT’s legacy of academic freedom, and whether that legacy is now under threat. Price offers a different understanding…
Season 1 / Episode 5 1 hr 07 min