Democracy and Knowledge

Can the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences help us understand and even strengthen democratic practices and citizenship? Democracy and Knowledge explores the role that universities, and especially the forms of knowledge taught and produced across the liberal arts disciplines have to play in the present and future of democracy.

About the theme

Connecting Scholars, Students, and Society

SAS Commons engages students, scholars, and the public with the goal of exploringa single theme across the arts and sciences over a two-year period. Through a variety of courses, programs, and events, the Commons fosters exchange across disciplines, the development of new ideas, and meaningful public dialogue.
 

About the Commons

Upcoming Events

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Democracy and Knowledge

A Conversation Featuring Mark Trodden and Sophia Rosenfeld

In this kickoff event, SAS Dean and physicist Mark Trodden, along with current director of the SAS Commons and historian Sophia Rosenfeld, will introduce and discuss the 2026–28 theme, Democracy and Knowledge.

The Mathematics of Elections and Voting

Just ahead of the US midterm elections, please join us for a wide-ranging discussion, featuring both Penn faculty and guest speakers, focused on the mathematical foundations of democracy, from districting and electoral maps to voting itself.

Society of Fellows in Public Knowledge

The Society of Fellows in Public Knowledge is a small, interdisciplinary community of postdoctoral fellows across the arts and sciences who are focused on public-facing ways of sharing research and explaining how their work contributes to the greater good. All interested SAS postdocs are encouraged to learn more!

About the initiative

SAS Commons News

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Ten Postdoctoral Researchers Named to Society of Fellows in Public Knowledge

Ten postdoctoral researchers have been named to the inaugural cohort of SAS Commons Society of Fellows in Public Knowledge, an initiative created as part of SAS Horizons: Pathways for a Changing World. These early-career scholars have expertise across a range of fields, from astronomy and chemistry to political science and ethnomusicology.

Finding Common Ground, Explaining Purpose

Sophia Rosenfeld, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History and Inaugural Director of the new SAS Commons initiative, discusses her vision for the theme of Democracy and Knowledge, which will kick off this summer.