While browsing for more distractions in the world of blogging that would add to my understanding of political science, I happily came across Theory Talks, a website devoted to promoting discussion about political science by interviewing prominent writers in our discipline.
For example, the latest post includes a lengthy question and answer with Robert Keohane. I do enjoy this short snippet on the nature of our science:
Do you think it is possible for a theorist who has conceived a “big idea” to change his stripes?
Sociologically and psychologically, it would be too much to expect a theorist to renounce a view that he or she had considered seriously over a period of years and come to after much reflection. Scientists become invested in their ideas; this is why Kuhn emphasizes the need for new generations. I do think that progress is largely made by graduate students “voting with their feet” – going where the interesting new problems are.
Obviously, I need to go back and read the remaining interviews that I missed while looking forward to future ones.
