Paper short abstract:

This paper explores past visions of academia, juxtaposing them with its current challenges to envision future alternatives. It critically assesses the impact of neoliberal ideologies on academia's trajectory and emphasizes the need for transformative approaches in the midst of the AI revolution.

Paper long abstract:

This paper delves into the historical and ideological foundations of academia, drawing a crucial comparison between the utopian aspirations of the past and the pressing realities of the present. At the heart of our exploration is Francis Bacon's "New Atlantis," a seminal work that epitomizes the idealistic pursuit of knowledge and scientific inquiry. Bacon's vision serves as a foundational reference point, guiding an investigation of academia's evolution.

The study navigates the complexities of the current academic landscape, critically examining how neoliberal forces have promoted a market-oriented approach to education, research, and knowledge dissemination. Looking to the future, the paper posits that the burgeoning AI revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for transformative approaches within academia.

This exploration seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion on redefining the role and impact of academia within a continuously changing societal landscape. It underscores some of the key questions posed by this year’s 4S conference theme about the imperative for research that catalyzes change, reigniting debates about the roles, commitments, and methodologies of STS in relation to society. Ultimately, reflecting critically on the past and future visions of academia aids in better navigating the complexities of our work's impact and relevance today, ensuring that our contributions are both meaningful and transformative.