GRADUATION TALK ▼

WHY GROUPS SHOULD MAKE DECISIONS DEMOCRATICALLY

AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON SCHELLER

▐  Simon Scheller tells us what drew him to his dissertation topic, what he enjoyed most about his time at the Graduate School and what his plans for his postdoctoral research are.

   What drew you to your dissertation topic and what interests you most about formal models of social dynamics?

   S.S. In my dissertation, I look at why groups should make decisions democratically - and how this works best. Almost paradoxically, we are becoming increasingly individualistic, yet collective decisions, like in parliaments, company boards, or all kinds of committees, are becoming increasingly important. For me, this is a fascinating subject because it entails philosophical, political, economic and psychological issues alike. Also, I really like computer simulations. They are a neat way of getting to the core principles that govern these interactions.

   What did you enjoy most about your time at the Graduate School?

    S.S. The atmosphere and the way people appreciate each other. I always found it a great community for academic exchange, but there is also always room for a good conversation over coffee. Meeting people from different academic as well as personal backgrounds is a big part of that, too.

    What is the next step in your career? Have you specified your postdoctoral research any further?

   S.S.I have already started a PostDoc at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy, which is part of to the LMU. There, I am developing a project that looks at the relationship between facts and opinions, and how public opinion dynamics can be manipulated. I am really looking forward to working with my new colleagues in Munich, but I will definitely stay in close touch with the Bamberg fellows as well. ◼

Image Credits: © Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences