Mercer Times

Princeton University has selected Dean of the College Michael D. Gordin's book “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” as the Princeton Pre-read for the Class of 2029. This selection is part of the university's tradition to introduce incoming students to the scholarly life at Princeton.

President Christopher L. Eisgruber stated his choice of the book was primarily because it “invites conversation about the purposes of the liberal arts curriculum that awaits students at Princeton.” Eisgruber emphasized that the book encourages students to ponder on how universities distinguish between what is considered scholarly and what is not. He said this would aid students in fully benefiting from their education at the university.

The tradition of the Pre-read, which began in 2013, is a series of activities meant to integrate new students into Princeton’s academic and community life. Eisgruber, in a foreword to the Pre-read edition, encouraged new students to engage with the book's themes and prepare for discussions once they arrive on campus.

Michael D. Gordin, who also serves as the Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, has authored several other works focused on the history of science. "On the Fringe" derives from a seminar and course he conducted, examining science's history through doctrines deemed "fringe" by scientific communities. These include discredited beliefs like astrology and once-controversial theories such as continental drift.

Gordin expressed that the book's core message is to understand how doctrines are deemed legitimate or illegitimate, stating that it centers on "how we manage disagreement while trying to find the truth." Students will be encouraged to engage in discussions on these topics during the Pre-read Assembly and participate in further talks at the residential colleges in the fall.

“On the Fringe,” published by Oxford University Press in 2021, will be distributed to the incoming class of 2029 this summer.

The Pre-read program, initiated by President Eisgruber, has featured a diverse array of books over the years, engaging students with topics ranging from moral revolutions to the attention economy.