Media
Find media about Sophia Rosenfeld including talks, interviews, and more.
Media
“Bon sens en politique, un contresens démocratique” [PDF]
Le Monde - November 23, 2024
If the notion of “common sense” has created an ideological terrain favorable to the emergence of liberal democracies, its vague contours today allow unscrupulous political actors, in particular of the extreme right, to use it as a a weapon, as insidious as it is effective, against pluralism and democracy itself.
Recent Media Mentions
The Atlantic | “Rosenfeld noted that Musk’s particular combination of wealth and media control is ‘unprecedented.’”
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The Washington Post | “The great risk in a privatized public sphere,” said Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Democracy and Truth: A Short History,” is that the owner, in this case, Musk, “can control both the flow of information and the content of that information to suit their own needs, whether financial, ideological or both.”
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung | Articles on “Trump's most zealous campaigner” & “Deepfakes”
“Do Discomfort, Anguish, and Divisive Concepts Belong in the Classroom? A Conversation about Free Speech in Public Schools”
Courageous Conversations - March 6, 2024
Since 2020, nearly 20 states have passed legislation prohibiting public school educators from teaching “divisive concepts” or any content that might cause students to feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress” because of their race or sex. Sophia Rosenfeld joins the conversation along with other scholars.
“University Discourse”
La Tercera - June 21, 2024
Sophia Rosenfeld discusses “cancel culture” and campus discourse in a new interview.
“Truth and Democracy”
UPenn Omnia - September 30, 2024
Sophia Rosenfeld discusses some of the big questions at the heart of American democracy like whether common sense has changed in the context of politics, how a healthy democracy works, who decides what’s true in democracy, and much more.
“What Columbia's crackdown on protesters tells us about free speech on college campuses”
NPR: Created Equal - May 1, 2024
Tensions between student-led protesters and university officials at Columbia University on Tuesday led to NYPD officers clad in riot-gear forcibly removing protesters from the Hamilton Hall building, which they had occupied for less than 24 hours. Sophia Rosenfeld joins the show to discuss the protests and universities' responses.
“New dialogue series explores open expression and free speech”
Penn Today - February 8, 2024
The inaugural event of the University of Pennsylvania’s “Living the Hard Promise” dialogue series featured a conversation with history professor Sophia Rosenfeld, examining the purpose, history, and challenges of open expression on campus.
“No, Campuses Are Not in Chaos Over Gaza”
The New York Times - December 20, 2023
In this NYT audio essay, Sophia Rosenfeld shares a model for engaging in tough conversations for anyone looking to have thoughtful discussions about some of the most fraught issues of our era.
“Truth, Lies and Democracy”
New Lines Magazine - November 25, 2022
In an age defined by disinformation, it has become almost a cliche to talk about “post-truth politics.” But while truth has been the media’s foremost concern in the era of “fake news,” there has been surprisingly little reflection on what it actually means in the first place.
“Vérité et politique”
Le Monde - July 9, 2022
Sophia Rosenfeld quoted in Le Monde on truth and politics.
“Truth and Commons Sense”
Paris Institute for Critical Thinking - February 14, 2022
Sophia Rosenfeld speaks with Kristof K.P. Vanhoutte (Basel, Switzerland) in a recent Podcast from the Paris Institute for Critical Thinking.
“Postmodernism, Post-Truth, and Democracy”
Recovering Truth - December 2021
You’ll find references to “my truth” in plenty of self-help books, and we're frequently encouraged to share our experiences, opinions, and stories about how we perceive ourselves and our views of reality. But is the focus on "my truth" a sign that we no longer believe truth is something that is shared? And what are the stakes for democracy if citizens no longer hold certain truths in common, or even share the same reality? Sophia Rosenfeld takes on these questions in this podcast episode of “Recovering Truth.”
Interview: “In a Democracy in Crisis, the Truth is Far Away”
Apache Magazine - January, 10 2022
Sophia Rosenfeld is interviewed in the Dutch magazine “Apache,” where she discusses truth, democracy, and our current crises.
“Patriotism and Dissent in America”
National Constitution Center - October, 13 2021
What has patriotism meant over time, and how has civil debate shaped it? Sophia Rosenfeld joins other scholars at the National Constitution Center to discuss patriotism and dissent throughout American history—from the Revolution through the Founding and the Civil War to today.
“How the Enlightenment Understood Truth — and Why That Matters.”
University of Oxford - November 18, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld delivers the 2021 Besterman Lecture at Oxford: Around the world, much of our current condition has its roots in conceptions of truth and untruth stemming from the Enlightenment, that is, the very particular cultural context in which democracy was re-envisioned on both sides of the Atlantic in the latter half of the eighteenth century. Rosenfeld explores the paradoxical nature of Enlightenment thinking about truth and its legacy, including both its risks and its enduring promise.
“Let’s Rescue Truth”
The Boston Globe - September, 16 2021
Op-Ed writers for the Boston Globe cite “Democracy and Truth.”
“Democracy and Truth with Sophia Rosenfeld”
Why We Argue - March 16, 2021
In this episode, Sophia Rosenfeld talks about how while current tensions between democracy and truth may seem new, they in fact have a long history.
“Democracy and Common Sense in the Post-Truth Age”
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt - October 15, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld delivers a keynote lecture that explores the longer story of present perils of “truth” and “common sense,” back to the Enlightenment and the birth of modern democracy, to the rise of expertise and the continued appeal of the common sense.
“A Political Obituary for Donald Trump”
The Atlantic - January, 2021
The Atlantic’s George Packer quotes from “Democracy and Truth” in a discussion of the legacy of Trump’s presidency.
“Conspiracy Theory and Political Culture, Past and Present”
UPenn Libraries - March 16, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld moderates a discussion with Adrienne LaFrance (The Atlantic) and James McAuley, (The Atlantic contributor and author of The House of Fragile Things, A History of Dreyfus-Era France) for a conversation around the long history of conspiracy theory and its role in political culture, then and now.
“To Speak Truth to Power is Duty of All”
The Indian Express - August 29, 2021
India’s Supreme Court judge Justice D Y Chandrachud quoted from “Democracy and Truth” in a recent speech on the need for truth in India’s democracy. Read his full speech here.
“Career Owners: Resolve To Seek Out Your Own Truth This Year”
Forbes - January 2, 2021
A summary of “Democracy and Truth” that helps contribute to the sustainability of your own career, as well as to a form of democracy that supports sustainable careers for others.
“An Interview with Sophia Rosenfeld”
The Geyser - January 11, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld responds to our moment in politics.
“History, Democracy, Truth, and the Press”
The Geyser - January 8, 2021
“Historians can provide pretty damn useful context when history is being made around you in tear-gas-infused Technicolor.”
“Does Democracy Have a Problem with Conspiracies?”
The Minefield, Australia - October 23, 2019
At least since the Age of Revolution — which is to say, the end of the eighteenth century — democracy has proven itself peculiarly susceptible to various forms of conspiracism. Today, this conspiratorial tendency in and of democratic politics has been pushed deeper and further than perhaps it otherwise would have gone. So what can be done?
“America Has Wrestled with Truth Since Its Founding”
Charlotte Talk, WFAE (Charlotte Public Radio) - June 28, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld joins “Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins” to discuss Democracy and Truth.
“Democracy and Truth”
Radio Times (WHYY) - June 12, 2019
Sophia Rosenfeld argues in her new book, Democracy and Truth, that in a democracy there has always been an argument about what is true.
“Truth and Democracy, with Sophia Rosenfeld”
Free Speech 50 Podcast - May 28, 2019
“Fake News. Post-truth. Alternative Facts. Conspiracies. Bot-generated posts. Lies, lies, lies. When will it stop?! We are living in an exciting and disorienting time when truth, it seems, is up for grabs.” Sophia Rosenfeld speaks with teacher, writer, and translator Uli Baer
“Ideas and Ideals with Sophia Rosenfeld”
KPFA - March 1, 2019
Ideas and Ideals: is a weekly live radio program that discusses thought and imagination. Arts, politics, religion and belief systems are examined. Hosted by Larry Bensky.
“JHIBlog Podcast: Simon Brown interviews Sophia Rosenfeld”
JHIBlog - March 25, 2019
Simon Brown takes on our post-truth moment with a wide-ranging interview with Sophia Rosenfeld.
“Interview with Sophia Rosenfeld, Author of Democracy and Truth”
The Tyler Interview, TKNN - January 26, 2019
“Book Talk: Democracy and Truth” (in Portuguese)
Via Marginal - December 28, 2020
Portuguese book talk and podcast on “Democracy and Truth.”
“Understanding the Present”
The Colloquy, Harvard University - February 18, 2020
In an interview with Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences magazine, Sophia Rosenfeld discusses her latest book, Democracy and Truth, and explains how lessons from the past can inform conversations about politics today.
“Sophia Rosenfeld on truth and Misinformation in History and Today”
Queen City Nerve (Charlotte) - June 28, 2021
What is truth and who decides? That is a central question that historian Sophia A. Rosenfeld explores in her new book.
“Keynote Address at Paris21/OECD Forum”
Paris21/OECD - October 28, 2019
Sophia Rosenfeld gives the keynote talk at a Paris21/OECD forum, Building Trust in Data.
Whereas once, our sources for ‘facts’ about the world were limited largely to official statistics or the work of a small group of academics, today, with only a few clicks of a button we can analyze millions of data points or fact-check a friend’s casual assertion. Moreover, from civil society organizations to armchair evangelists, anyone is capable of accessing a dataset and using it to advance a point of view. What does this mean for official statistics? Sophia Rosenfeld begins the forum with a keynote address on the history of truth and democracy.
“When the Czarinas Ruled the Front Row”
New York Times - July 4, 2022
Sophia Rosenfeld quoted in the New York Times Style section.
“Democracy and Truth”
Your Weekly Constitutional (WETS) - August 29, 2019
These days it seems that the words "democracy" and "truth" are mutually exclusive, but historian Sophia Rosenfeld tells us that that's often been the case in our history. She does, however, acknowledge that today may be a special case, primarily because of the march of technology and also because of the intense political polarization we face. Join us for a disturbing, but fascinating, discussion.
“Truth and Democracy: An Interview with Sophia Rosenfeld”
Age of Revolutions Blog - June 10, 2019
Interview with Sophia Rosenfeld about her book, Democracy and Truth.
“What Is Truth? with Sophia Rosenfeld”
Good Law | Bad Law - March 1, 2019
Aaron Freiwald, Managing Partner of Freiwald Law and host of the weekly podcast, Good Law | Bad Law, is joined by University of Pennsylvania History Professor Sophia Rosenfeld to talk about the tenuousness of the truth in democracy.
“Is "Wisdom of the Crowd" an Oxymoron?”
Interview on The Brian Lehrer Show - January 25, 2019
Sophia Rosenfeld explores democracy's inherent conflict between the "wisdom of the crowd" and the need for elite vetting of information.
“Truth and Faith”
Interview on The Democracy Test: A Six Part Radio Series and Podcast - November 2, 2018
What happens in a democracy when we can’t believe in anything? When we don’t even believe in our nation’s ability to govern itself? Faith in democracy decays. Participation erodes. The politics of possibility in our nation demand some sense of shared reality and basic level of belief that government can serve the common good. What will be the lasting impact of our current break in truth and faith?
“The Age of Choice”
Iona University - Institute for Thomas Paine Studies - September 26, 2024
Thomas Paine was the first great American polemicist for the right to vote—or choice in the political sphere. But it is not at all clear that what Paine (and his contemporaries) had in mind was choice in the contemporary sense. As the future of democracy looks precarious today in the U.S. and in many parts of the world, this talk will consider how the idea and practice of choice have evolved from the 18th century to our present moment.
“Is American democracy in danger today?”
TF1 Television, France - October 26, 2024
Does American democracy seem in danger today? This has a lot to do with Donald Trump and his desire to break with the norms of the past, explained Sophia Rosenfeld, historian at the University of Pennsylvania, guest of Anne-Claire Coudray, on TF1 France.
“What Can We Talk About? The Free Speech Battle in Our Colleges and Universities”
Crested Butte Public Policy Forum - July 16, 2024
“Are Academic Freedom and Open Expression Under Siege?”
University of Pennsylvania - April 28, 2024
There is sharp disagreement about the meaning and practice of open expression and academic freedom at the University of Pennsylvania and other universities. What exactly do these concepts mean? What rights do they confer? What are their limits? To what extent are they threatened in the current political and social climate? How can the central function of a university – educating students and producing new knowledge – survive in the face of such threats? Sophia Rosenfeld moderates a discussion at a University of Pennsylvania Faculty Senate Roundtable with some of the nation’s leading scholars.
“Is Truth the Highest Good of Democracy?”
Tenfourteen - November 14, 2023
At a time when there is talk of “fake news” and “alternative facts”, the question arises as to the role and status of truth in democracy. In conversation with the historian Sophia Rosenfeld, Alexander Görlach discussed truth and probability, science and faith in liberal democracy.
“President's Lecture - Sophia Rosenfeld”
ABIM Foundation - August 9, 2023
Sophia Rosenfeld speaks about trust, expertise, and truth in the fields of modern medicine and healthcare.
“Democracy and ‘Common Sense’: A Conversation with Sophia Rosenfeld”
Library of Congress - January 27, 2023
Kluge Center Director Kevin Butterfield interviews Kluge Chair in Countries and Cultures of the North, Sophia Rosenfeld. This wide-ranging conversation will explore the idea of "common sense" in the political sphere, and what history can teach us about the ways knowledge is created, shared, and validated.
“How Can Democracies Can Come Out Stronger From the Challenges They Are Facing?”
MLK Library in Washington DC - May 2022
At the French Embassy’s “La Nuit des Idées/Night of Ideas,” Sophia Rosenfeld and Caroline Fredrickson (Georgetown Law) explore the many ways in which, in their recent history, France and the United States have reinvented their institutions and overcome challenges to liberal democracy.
“The Crisis of Truth in Democratic Societies”
School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe - May 2022
In conversation with Rebecca Solnit, Sophia Rosenfeld considers whether the alleged crisis of truth represents a danger to democratic institutions and, if so, what can be done about it.
“Lies and Democracy” Roundtable
Knight First Amendment Institute, Columbia University - September 24, 2021
Sophia Rosenfeld joins Masha Gessen (The New Yorker) and Quinta Jurecic (Brookings Institution) in a panel discussion about political lies and American democracy, organized by the Knight First Amendment Institute.
“Does Democracy Need Truth?: A Conversation with the Historian Sophia Rosenfeld”
The New Yorker - January 31, 2019
Two years into Trump’s Presidency, the historian Sophia Rosenfeld reminds us that “democracy insists on the idea that truth both matters and that nobody gets to say definitively what it is.”
“American Democracy”
CSPAN - October 6, 2019
The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education hosts Sophia Rosenfeld, author of "Democracy and Truth: A Short History." She talks about the long-held tensions among citizens in a democracy to determine what the truth is -- rather than relying on an elite class to determine the truth for them.
“Democracy and Truth”
The University of Pennsylvania - November 15, 2018
How, historically, have democracy and truth been connected to one another? Why is that relationship seemingly in peril now in the U.S. and in much of the world? And what, if anything, can be done in our “post-truth” age?
“Populism, Conspiracy and Common Sense from Thomas Paine to Donald Trump”
CRASSH: The Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities at Cambridge University - June 1, 2017
Populism is best understood as a style of politics rather than a specific doctrine. But ever since the eighteenth century, its appeal has depended upon a kind of built-in conspiracy theory: that the current crisis stems from the fact that the real people have been robbed of a power that they once naturally possessed, and the situation can only be rectified by a return to their unjustly neglected 'common' sense. In the age of Paine, this theory helped spur the development of a democratic political order. Yet already by the time of the French Revolution – and to this day, as the current Trump regime in the US demonstrates – a common sense populism threatens to undermine democracy at every turn in ways that this talk spells out.
