Jonathan Floyd
@jonathanfloyd.bsky.social
Professor of Political Theory working on nature/methods/purposes of political philosophy. Chair of 'Methods of Normative Political Theory' (ECPR). Co-Chair of 'Political Philosophy' (IPSA). Personal website: https://www.drjonathanfloyd.com
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Jonathan Floyd
@jonathanfloyd.bsky.social
· Feb 25
Experimental Political Theory: Behavioural, Careful, Radical - Res Publica
On one level, the idea here is simple: organise people into small groups and see how they react to different ways of doing politics. On another, it is more challenging: evaluate different political pr...
link.springer.com
Well this article was a long time coming: link.springer.com/article/10.1... Can pol-philosophy be experimental? Can normative behaviourism become more pro-active and progressive? I certainly hope so! Many thanks to AliceBaderin/JanoschPrinz/SuneLaegaard & esp. ManonWestphal who aren't here...
Philosophers love 2 stretch concepts but how far can they go without snapping? Consider e.g. lobbying, pornography & now social media for kids defended as free speech
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...) Reminds me of when China described America's TikTok 'security' clampdown as 'conceptual overreach'...
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...) Reminds me of when China described America's TikTok 'security' clampdown as 'conceptual overreach'...
Australia social media ban: Teens challenge law before High Court
They argue the law - which will block users under 16 from having social media accounts - is unconstitutional.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Philosophers love 2 stretch concepts but how far can they go without snapping? Consider e.g. lobbying, pornography & now social media for kids defended as free speech
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...) Reminds me of when China described America's TikTok 'security' clampdown as 'conceptual overreach'...
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...) Reminds me of when China described America's TikTok 'security' clampdown as 'conceptual overreach'...
Is there a way of chasing evidence & accountability that doesn't just mean another (bloody) form to fill in? Forms quickly become admin roles, processes, & committees. They free institutions from responsibility & pile in on to individuals. Today's noble brainwave; tomorrow's hated bureaucracy.
November 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Is there a way of chasing evidence & accountability that doesn't just mean another (bloody) form to fill in? Forms quickly become admin roles, processes, & committees. They free institutions from responsibility & pile in on to individuals. Today's noble brainwave; tomorrow's hated bureaucracy.
Does 'public' political philosophy also mean more 'empirical' political philosophy? Read this excellent piece by Alice Baderin in #PublicHumanities 2 find out: www.cambridge.org/core/journal... @rebeccabuxton.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social
Making Political Philosophy Public: The Role of Empirical Inquiry | Public Humanities | Cambridge Core
Making Political Philosophy Public: The Role of Empirical Inquiry - Volume 1
www.cambridge.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Does 'public' political philosophy also mean more 'empirical' political philosophy? Read this excellent piece by Alice Baderin in #PublicHumanities 2 find out: www.cambridge.org/core/journal... @rebeccabuxton.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social
Is the point of #worldphilosophyday 2 interpret something or change something? Seems 2 me we get 2 caught up with that distinction. If e.g. you interpret all history as class history & social struggle as class struggle then that 'interpretation' can quickly change how others try 2 'change' things...
November 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Is the point of #worldphilosophyday 2 interpret something or change something? Seems 2 me we get 2 caught up with that distinction. If e.g. you interpret all history as class history & social struggle as class struggle then that 'interpretation' can quickly change how others try 2 'change' things...
It's pretty easy to point out a problem with something in less than 300 characters, but much harder to present the solution - hence the general tendency towards critique and negativity on these platforms, and in turn our wider political culture. Presumably though all we need to do to fix this is....
November 19, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It's pretty easy to point out a problem with something in less than 300 characters, but much harder to present the solution - hence the general tendency towards critique and negativity on these platforms, and in turn our wider political culture. Presumably though all we need to do to fix this is....
Really enjoyed reading this yesterday. Very interesting innovative/critical take on normative behaviourism (under 'emergency' conditions) from Greta Favara. Reminded me of recent work by @svenjaahlhaus.bsky.social link.springer.com/article/10.1... @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social
Normative Behaviourism and Action-Guidance: The Challenge of the Climate Crisis - Res Publica
This article examines the normative potential and limitations of Normative Behaviourism (NB) as a method for political theory, paying particular attention to its capacity to orient political action un...
link.springer.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Really enjoyed reading this yesterday. Very interesting innovative/critical take on normative behaviourism (under 'emergency' conditions) from Greta Favara. Reminded me of recent work by @svenjaahlhaus.bsky.social link.springer.com/article/10.1... @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social
Normally extreme wealth is justified as the result of a free/consensual process. Lots of innocent transactions adding up in manner of Nozick-Chamberlain example. Is it then better/worse if u/Musk become world's richest person as the result of a vote? @ingridrobeyns.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Normally extreme wealth is justified as the result of a free/consensual process. Lots of innocent transactions adding up in manner of Nozick-Chamberlain example. Is it then better/worse if u/Musk become world's richest person as the result of a vote? @ingridrobeyns.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social
What happens if a country tries to kick all foreign-born people out in an immigration 'clampdown' at the same time as stopping all flights because of a government 'shutdown'? Hypothetical question of course.
November 7, 2025 at 7:24 AM
What happens if a country tries to kick all foreign-born people out in an immigration 'clampdown' at the same time as stopping all flights because of a government 'shutdown'? Hypothetical question of course.
This will be excellent! Great theorists, great interdisciplinary + methodological thinking, and & a whole lot of going up cable cars & walking in the Alps. If you're keen 2 reproduce your favourite Caspar David Friedrich (@jowolff.bsky.social!) in photo form then do sign up or at least re-post...
📢 CfP 2026 ECPR Joint Sessions!
Curious how normative theory and empirical research can inform each other — and keen for thorough feedback?
Join our #ECPRJS26 workshop “Between Norms and Evidence” in beautiful Innsbruck, 7–10 April 2026 🌄
🔗 shorturl.at/BZbC0
📬 Deadline: 3 Dec 2025
@ecpr.bsky.social
Curious how normative theory and empirical research can inform each other — and keen for thorough feedback?
Join our #ECPRJS26 workshop “Between Norms and Evidence” in beautiful Innsbruck, 7–10 April 2026 🌄
🔗 shorturl.at/BZbC0
📬 Deadline: 3 Dec 2025
@ecpr.bsky.social
Between Norms and Evidence: Connecting Normative Political Theory and Political Science
European Consortium for Political Research
ecpr.eu
November 5, 2025 at 8:27 PM
This will be excellent! Great theorists, great interdisciplinary + methodological thinking, and & a whole lot of going up cable cars & walking in the Alps. If you're keen 2 reproduce your favourite Caspar David Friedrich (@jowolff.bsky.social!) in photo form then do sign up or at least re-post...
I think it's worth noting that u get more time/people/questions & certainly home baking when giving a talk at our Monday morning pol-phi sessions than u do at most conferences. Good to know if contemplating a PhD with e.g. @wiglet1981.bsky.social @rebeccabuxton.bsky.social @alixdietzel.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
I think it's worth noting that u get more time/people/questions & certainly home baking when giving a talk at our Monday morning pol-phi sessions than u do at most conferences. Good to know if contemplating a PhD with e.g. @wiglet1981.bsky.social @rebeccabuxton.bsky.social @alixdietzel.bsky.social
When I was an undergraduate, everybody 'knew' that the big problem in the world was that states only acted in their own 'rational' self-interest. Now it seems the problem is that they don't. I guess it's harder to switch to altruism than it is to go from selfish to self-destructive?
November 3, 2025 at 7:39 AM
When I was an undergraduate, everybody 'knew' that the big problem in the world was that states only acted in their own 'rational' self-interest. Now it seems the problem is that they don't. I guess it's harder to switch to altruism than it is to go from selfish to self-destructive?
Excellent work! Currently on a windswept platform in north Gloucestershire waiting for a delayed train. Nice to have these to look forward to 😋
Getting the baking done for the Monday morning political philosophy meeting with @rebeccabuxton.bsky.social, @jonathanfloyd.bsky.social, and others…
November 3, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Excellent work! Currently on a windswept platform in north Gloucestershire waiting for a delayed train. Nice to have these to look forward to 😋
This is often an under-used forum for pol-theorists, and with the Oxford location, it might well be a relatively affordable/accessible Spring conference option for those on tight budgets. When I went 2 Birmingham last year I got great feedback/conversation 4 little more than a return train fare.
⏰ Last day to submit a proposal! 👇
*PSA26 Annual Conference* - taking place 30 March - 1 April 2026, Oxford.
📢 FINAL REMINDER - Call for papers
📆 Paper proposal deadline: 17 October 2025
➡️ buff.ly/G6WTB20
📢 FINAL REMINDER - Call for papers
📆 Paper proposal deadline: 17 October 2025
➡️ buff.ly/G6WTB20
October 17, 2025 at 11:33 AM
This is often an under-used forum for pol-theorists, and with the Oxford location, it might well be a relatively affordable/accessible Spring conference option for those on tight budgets. When I went 2 Birmingham last year I got great feedback/conversation 4 little more than a return train fare.
Here's a great opportunity for early-career researchers working across political theory & IR and with a particular interest in the methods and methodological challenges involved. @duncanbell.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @adrianblau.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social
We are delighted to announce a Call for Papers for a special issue and accompanying workshop with the Journal of International Political Theory on Relating Theory and Method in Global Political Contexts. Submit abstracts by November 10th (link below) - share widely!
forms.gle/zDGSnQWoVYzF...
forms.gle/zDGSnQWoVYzF...
October 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Here's a great opportunity for early-career researchers working across political theory & IR and with a particular interest in the methods and methodological challenges involved. @duncanbell.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @adrianblau.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social
Today's example of how principles alter with context. If you are walking along the pavement whilst watching something on your phone, always take off your headphones. Conversely, if you are sitting on a train and watching something on your phone, always put headphones on.
October 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Today's example of how principles alter with context. If you are walking along the pavement whilst watching something on your phone, always take off your headphones. Conversely, if you are sitting on a train and watching something on your phone, always put headphones on.
Unlike Margaret Thatcher, who was born 100 years ago today, these leaves are very much for turning.
October 13, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Unlike Margaret Thatcher, who was born 100 years ago today, these leaves are very much for turning.
Should research methods be a specific part of the 'REF'? A significant question for some of us: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r... @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @adrianblau.bsky.social @kspiekermann.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social @lisamherzog.bsky.social
‘REF needs dedicated section for research methods’ - Research Professional News
Hidden REF Festival: Conference hears plea to fill gap in Research Excellence Framework
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Should research methods be a specific part of the 'REF'? A significant question for some of us: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r... @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social @adrianblau.bsky.social @kspiekermann.bsky.social @ipsa-rc31.bsky.social @jowolff.bsky.social @lisamherzog.bsky.social
This was a very nice write-up from Alexa Zellentin about last week's trip to Dublin! One week on and I'm still keeping up a number of email exchanges about methods that started as conversations on the day: www.ucd.ie/spire/newsan... @psaireland.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social
PSAI Workshop on Methods in Political Theory - UCD School of Politics and International Relations
www.ucd.ie
October 10, 2025 at 10:23 AM
This was a very nice write-up from Alexa Zellentin about last week's trip to Dublin! One week on and I'm still keeping up a number of email exchanges about methods that started as conversations on the day: www.ucd.ie/spire/newsan... @psaireland.bsky.social @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social
It is abundantly clear to me 2day that my cats, unlike some of us, have no writing deadlines, teaching prep, inbox pile-up, housework, or childcare. They feel like sleeping and so they sleep. Later they will feel like eating/exploring and so will eat/explore. Just one fulfilled wish after another...
October 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
It is abundantly clear to me 2day that my cats, unlike some of us, have no writing deadlines, teaching prep, inbox pile-up, housework, or childcare. They feel like sleeping and so they sleep. Later they will feel like eating/exploring and so will eat/explore. Just one fulfilled wish after another...
Many thanks to the 50+ staff/students who came from across Dublin/Ireland 2 hear me talk about methods/methodology in political theory/philosophy last Friday (for over 4hrs!). Only possible thanks 2 support from @psaireland.bsky.social + my excellent hosts Peter Stone (TCD) & Alexa Zellentin (UCD)
October 7, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Many thanks to the 50+ staff/students who came from across Dublin/Ireland 2 hear me talk about methods/methodology in political theory/philosophy last Friday (for over 4hrs!). Only possible thanks 2 support from @psaireland.bsky.social + my excellent hosts Peter Stone (TCD) & Alexa Zellentin (UCD)
Richly deserved @sania-ismailee.bsky.social 👏👏👏
Happy to be one of the Best Paper Prize winners! Had an amazing time with methodologists @ecpr-nptmethods.bsky.social
Our Autumn newsletter is here! 🍁
Catch up on the @ecpr.bsky.social Thessaloniki conference highlights, meet the Best Paper Prize winner(s), and discover the new Onora O’Neill Book Prize in Political Theory, plus lots more!
Read now 👉 shorturl.at/pUXUe
Catch up on the @ecpr.bsky.social Thessaloniki conference highlights, meet the Best Paper Prize winner(s), and discover the new Onora O’Neill Book Prize in Political Theory, plus lots more!
Read now 👉 shorturl.at/pUXUe
October 7, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Richly deserved @sania-ismailee.bsky.social 👏👏👏
Just running numbers for my teaching today. I see the Tories 'promise' 2 remove 750k migrants if elected. I also see non-Tory party membership = circa 750k. So maybe they wouldn't start where u think? Plus I guess extradited critics automatically become migrants? p.s. Lab=310k/Reform=250k/Tory=123k
October 6, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Just running numbers for my teaching today. I see the Tories 'promise' 2 remove 750k migrants if elected. I also see non-Tory party membership = circa 750k. So maybe they wouldn't start where u think? Plus I guess extradited critics automatically become migrants? p.s. Lab=310k/Reform=250k/Tory=123k
Great work by our new newsletter team! Also delighted to see these (much deserved) prizes 🎉 Do join up with us on the @ecpr.bsky.social website (under MyEcpr) if you want to be part of our next round of events in 2026...
Our Autumn newsletter is here! 🍁
Catch up on the @ecpr.bsky.social Thessaloniki conference highlights, meet the Best Paper Prize winner(s), and discover the new Onora O’Neill Book Prize in Political Theory, plus lots more!
Read now 👉 shorturl.at/pUXUe
Catch up on the @ecpr.bsky.social Thessaloniki conference highlights, meet the Best Paper Prize winner(s), and discover the new Onora O’Neill Book Prize in Political Theory, plus lots more!
Read now 👉 shorturl.at/pUXUe
Newsletter #12, October 2025
On behalf of the Standing Group on Methods of Normative Political Theory, we are happy to announce that the quarterly newsletter of the Methods of Normative Political Theory appears four times a ye…
shorturl.at
October 6, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Great work by our new newsletter team! Also delighted to see these (much deserved) prizes 🎉 Do join up with us on the @ecpr.bsky.social website (under MyEcpr) if you want to be part of our next round of events in 2026...
Only 20/200 seats taken on my Ryanair flight to Dublin, so carbon footprint now 10fold!? No doubt there's a good 'business case' 4 running those empty planes - perhaps because they charged most of us (on an empty plane!) 4 seat selection, priority boarding, & cabin bags. Took solace in the clouds...
October 2, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Only 20/200 seats taken on my Ryanair flight to Dublin, so carbon footprint now 10fold!? No doubt there's a good 'business case' 4 running those empty planes - perhaps because they charged most of us (on an empty plane!) 4 seat selection, priority boarding, & cabin bags. Took solace in the clouds...
In Dublin tomorrow to talk for 4 hours (!) on methods/methodology in pol-philosophy @tcddublin.bsky.social, hosted by Trinity+UCD+PSAI (2x2hrs w. food in between). Apparently booked up with 50 staff/students but let me know if keen to attend: dublinptworkshop.wordpress.com/autumn-2025-...
Autumn 2025 Programme
Sessions take place Fridays 14:00 – 14:50 in room F301, Newman Building, UCD Belfield. This programme is evolving as ideas some up. Feel free to propose papers to present as well as readings …
dublinptworkshop.wordpress.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:24 AM
In Dublin tomorrow to talk for 4 hours (!) on methods/methodology in pol-philosophy @tcddublin.bsky.social, hosted by Trinity+UCD+PSAI (2x2hrs w. food in between). Apparently booked up with 50 staff/students but let me know if keen to attend: dublinptworkshop.wordpress.com/autumn-2025-...