I think it depends on the goal of the reading group, and while I have some thoughts around that I defer to the collective interest here… For this first series I understand we want to use the reading group as a means to be better versed on the Econ SF field so that when the seminar comes along we are equipped to really dive in, benefit and unleash potential ideas/ projects to follow. At the same time the idea behind the reading group is also to create momentum for the research network’s shared study, beyond what happens on the platform or in specific projects.
In any case, my experience is that even with two months people tend to leave the reading to the last minute and when I’ve held reading groups on a whole book I’m the only one that has actually read the whole thing. But it may be different here, especially if we use the platform as a means to communicate and self-motivate leading up to the actual gathering.
The more I reflect on it the more it makes sense that we read the works of the guests of the seminar (eg. Doctorow), with some key texts alongside to introduce those of to foundational concepts we’re not familiar with, and the odd short philosophical provocation thrown in for fun. As for overhead in choosing, I don’t mind curating the readings based on what interest is shared here and in reference to the seminar.