Conversations 4 Citizenship Podcast By Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong Kamille Beye Dr. Adam Peter Lang cover art

Conversations 4 Citizenship

Conversations 4 Citizenship

By: Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong Kamille Beye Dr. Adam Peter Lang
Listen for free

About this listen

 Are you an educator or researcher seeking reliable resources about citizenship and human rights education? Are you interested in the burning issues of the day -- injustice, political polarization, politics of hate, economic populism, human rights violations, disinformation, racial and ethnic conflict and in other places -- and would like the opportunity to converse with experts on these topics? #Conversations4Citizenship is an educational resource for you. Each month, the podcast explores new ideas, insights and knowledge about citizenship and human rights education through fascinating conversations with scholars, doctoral students and practitioners across the world who have been involved in these fields of work or study. Each episode is hosted by experienced researchers from the Institute of Education, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society and Yonsei University: Dr. Adam Lang, Dr. Kamille Beye and Dr. Stella Mi-cheong Cheong. In season three of #Conversations4citizenship, we are inviting any interested citizenship and human rights education researchers and practitioners to also join our podcast as possible guests. For expressions of interest, please click on the Join Us! link at the top of this page, and we will contact you shortly. You may email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com. Let us know what you think! Thank you for your kind support. ©Copyright 2025 conversations4citizenship-All rights reserved2025 conversations4citizenship-All rights reserved Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 02 | Rethinking Knowledge: Vygotsky, AI Ethics, and the Call for Epistemic Pluralism with Dr. Shone Surendran

    Episode 02 | Rethinking Knowledge: Vygotsky, AI Ethics, and the Call for Epistemic Pluralism with Dr. Shone Surendran
    May 27 2025
    Dr. Shone Surendran's unique intellectual path began with aerospace engineering, followed by six transformative years of monastic training in India. This blend of scientific rigor and deep spiritual immersion laid the groundwork for his current role as an academic philosopher. His thinking has been profoundly shaped by non-dualist interpretations of Vygotsky, influenced by German Idealism (via Jan Derry), and rich Indian philosophies like Advaita Vedanta. These diverse influences equipped him with a framework to understand knowledge beyond the confines of traditional Western dualistic perspectives, fostering a more interconnected view of mind, world, and ultimate reality.Working at Amrita University in Kerala, Dr. Surendran develops philosophy modules for cognitive science students, where he has observed firsthand how students from the Global South often feel their indigenous philosophical traditions are undervalued in Western-dominated academia. This phenomenon, which he terms 'epistemic exclusion,' is a central theme in his research. It extends into his work on AI ethics, particularly within NHS genomics projects, where he focuses on effectively communicating complex AI concepts to diverse patient groups and critically examining algorithmic biases, such as the 'colonial bias' embedded in large language models that can perpetuate historical inequalities.Ultimately, Dr. Surendran critiques the 'academic hegemony' of the Global North, passionately advocating for 'philosophical diversity' and 'epistemic pluralism.' His projects, such as autobiographical writing linking superhero narratives to decolonization, exemplify his commitment to bridging diverse domains. He calls on universities to foster genuine intercultural dialogue, acknowledge varied ways of knowing including spiritual traditions, and cultivate truly inclusive learning environments. His work champions a fundamental re-evaluation of knowledge, urging a shift towards a more holistic, equitable, and globally representative approach to education and technology.This episode is hosted by Dr. Adam Lang. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Google, Spotify, or Amazon Music. You may also follow @c4c_ed on Twitter. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comFurther Reading ListSurendran, S. (2023). Inferentialism and science education: Towards meaningful communication in primary science classrooms (Doctoral thesis, University College London). https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10172785/Surendran, S., George, S. A., & S, G. (2025). Personal tutoring in the face of philosophical diversity: Critical voices & international perspectives. Research Intelligence, (162), 28–29.Surendran, S. (2025). Superhero representations and philosophical perspectives: From fandom to Brandom. In Y. Chen & N. Robertson (Eds.), Autobiography, fan fiction, and education (pp. 27–49). Bloomsbury Academic publishing. *Note. Publication date is 13 Nov. 2025 (ISBN-13: 978-1666969474; Available to pre-order)Miller, Denise, Emma Towers, and Shone Surendran. (2022). Guest Editors. Decolonising the School Curriculum. London Review of Education. Editorial Doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/LRE.21.1.06. Official URL: https://journals.uclpress.co.uk/lre/collections/511/Miller, D., Surendran, S., & Meheux, M. (2024). Guest Editors. Intersectional Identities, Education, Psychology and Social Justice Part One. Educational and Child Psychology, 41(2), 5-6. Editorial:https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/48691/ Official URL: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/41/2Surendran, S., Meheux, M. & Miller, D. (2025). Guest Editors. Intersectional Identities, Education, Psychology and Social Justice Part Two. Educational and Child Psychology, 42(1), 5-https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/42/1/2, Official URL: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/42/1Bhambra, Gurminder K., Dalia Gebrial, and Kerem Nisancloglu, eds. (2018). Decolonising the University, 1st ed. Pluto Press.Garfield, J. L., & Van Norden, B. W. (2016, May 11). If philosophy won’t diversify, let’s call it what it really is. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/11/opinion/if-philosophy-wont-diversify-lets-call-it-what-it-really-is.htmlWong, S. H. M., Gishen, F., & Lokugamage, A. U. (2021). ‘Decolonising the Medical Curriculum’: Humanising medicine through epistemic pluralism, cultural safety and critical consciousness. London Review of Education, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.14324/lre.19.1.16Derry, J. (2013). Vygotsky: Philosophy and education. John Wiley & Sons.Dafermos, Manolis. 2018. Rethinking Cultural-historical Theory: A Dialectical Perspective to Vygotsky, vol. 4. Singapore: Springer.Dafermos, Manolis. 2018. “Relating Dialogue and Dialectics: a Philosophical Perspective.” ...
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • Episode 01| Youth in Action : Democratic Resilience After Martial Law in South Korea

    Episode 01| Youth in Action : Democratic Resilience After Martial Law in South Korea
    Apr 5 2025

    *NOTE. This episode was recorded in January, 2025

    The first episode of Season 4 features three Korean university students—Yebin, Yoosun, and Junseo—who participated in protests following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. Initially, the students were shocked by the unprecedented military presence, describing the scene as "chaotic" and "unrealistic." Throughout the conversation, they explain their backgrounds in activism, ranging from labor rights to feminism and LGBTQ+ advocacy. They attribute the current crisis not only to Yoon's "incapability as a leader" but also to fundamental flaws in South Korea's constitutional system, particularly the "five-year imperial presidency."

    Furthermore, they critically assess South Korea's education system, noting its failure to adequately teach civic engagement and democratic values. Despite this, they acknowledge how history lessons about past resistance movements have inspired current protests.

    Looking ahead, the students express concern about growing political polarization but remain cautiously optimistic. They emphasize the importance of constitutional reform, stronger civic education, and continued solidarity among diverse groups. Most importantly, they stress that democracy requires constant vigilance, noting that "suspending Yoon from his duty does not automatically restore democracy."

    To young people around the world facing the rise of far-right movements, Korean youth emphasize the importance of solidarity and coalition-building. As Junseo points out, "We need to have coalition and solidarity under the ideas that we think are important, like equality, peace or antiwar." Moreover, they stress that democracy requires constant vigilance, as Yoosun notes, "Citizens must maintain their views and keep watching." In essence, the democratic crisis is not someone else's problem—it requires collective action across generations and borders to protect and strengthen democratic values worldwide.

    Contact Conversations4citizenship

    • Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
    • Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
    • Text us on WhatsApp : +82 1098421801
    • Submit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.com
    • You can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social

    Thanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • Season 3 Reflections and 2024 Year in Review with Dr. Adam Lang and Dr. Stella Cheong

    Season 3 Reflections and 2024 Year in Review with Dr. Adam Lang and Dr. Stella Cheong
    Dec 25 2024

    The special 2024 review episode of the Conversations4Citizenship podcast takes a deep dive into a year marked by turbulence and inspiration, showcasing the resilience of global citizenship in the face of immense challenges. Hosted by Dr. Adam Peter Lang and Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong, the episode reflects on pivotal events such as elections in over half the world, revolutions in Bangladesh and Syria, ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, democratic protests in South Korea, and the evolving role of AI governance in peacebuilding. The hosts reaffirm the podcast’s mission to foster understanding and dialogue amidst an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

    The episode revisits highlights from Season 3, which tackled pressing issues like misinformation, inequality, civic engagement, youth activism, and creative research methods. Notable discussions included "critical harmony" in education, technology’s potential for peacebuilding, and strategies for navigating democratic resistance. These conversations featured distinguished experts who brought fresh insights into the challenges of our time.

    Looking ahead to 2025, Season 4 promises an exciting shift in focus. The podcast will spotlight activists and practitioners working on the frontlines of social change, amplifying voices from diverse contexts. To enhance global dialogue, a new interactive website will also be launched, encouraging deeper engagement with listeners worldwide.

    As they close the episode, the hosts share a hopeful message for justice and harmony in the coming year. Now reaching listeners in 71 countries, Conversations4Citizenship Podcast has solidified its place as a leading platform for citizenship and human rights education—an essential resource for navigating today’s complex world.

    Contact Conversations4citizenship

    • Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
    • Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
    • Text us on WhatsApp : +82 1098421801
    • Submit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.com
    • You can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social

    Thanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet