School of Social Science

In the cognitive revolution, psychologists, recognizing that developments in information processing had potential for studying the human mind, sought for the first time to apply new ideas in early artificial intelligence, computer science, and neuroscience to psychology. The Institute, as the home of one of the first modern computers, was uniquely poised to serve as a hub for this nascent field of study.

Joëlle Vailly, Member (2019–20) in the School of Social Science, analyzes how expanding genetic databases in criminal justice systems transform our understanding of criminality and identity, highlighting tensions between surveillance capabilities and individual rights.

How has choice become a defining feature of modern freedom? The option to choose where to live, what to buy, and what to believe was neither universally available nor consistently desired throughout history. Sophia Rosenfeld, Ed Kaufmann Founders' Circle Member (2014–15) in the School of Social Science, traces the evolution of choice from the seventeenth century to today.

What do we really know about the experience of migrants at the border between Italy and France, the hazards they encounter, repression they endure, and the assistance they receive? These critical questions are addressed in Exile: Chronicle of the Border, a book by Didier Fassin, James D. Wolfensohn Professor in the School of Social Science, and Anne-Claire Defossez, Visitor in the School.

Jenna Kelly, Academic Assistant in the School of Social Science, reflects on how working at the Institute for Advanced Study has seen her enter a vibrant community where scholars can find both academic engagement and friendship.

Introducing E. Tendayi Achiume, Ashvin B. Chhabra and Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra Member in the School of Social Science, whose research focuses on the international legal frameworks that govern migration, racism, and xenophobia. In this Q&A, she highlights IAS scholars who have influenced her work, the value of collaboration, and how she plans to expand her scope of analysis beyond nation states to transnational corporations during her time at IAS.

In this episode of Institute Instances, Marc Aidinoff, Research Associate in the Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Social Science (2023–25), discusses how interdisciplinary scholarship stretching across academia, industry, and civil society can work in practice.

Geoff Mann, Member in the Institute for Advanced Study's School of Social Science (2023–24), describes his interest in modeling how the world works, and how uncertainties in this modeling process can be channeled from scientific research through the policy world and into the realm of politics.

This selection of books provides a peek into the treasure-trove of scholar publications from the Schools of Historical Studies and Social Science that have been promoted via the Institute’s social media channels in the past six months.

During the 2023–24 academic year, the School of Social Science hosted a special theme year titled PLATFORM. To offer a view into their work, some of the theme year participants share thoughts on what the word "platform" means to them, and how "platform" serves as a useful concept in their research.