The Historian's Task in the Anthropocene: Theory and Practice

FEBRUARY 26 @ 6 P.M. | Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center

Climate denialism comes in many forms. Most historians understand that the planet faces severe environmental challenges, yet few incorporate this new reality into their work or consider its impact on our discipline. Julia Adeney Thomas explains why some scientists find "the Anthropocene" a compelling concept and the challenges it poses, particularly to history's political function. Finally, using an example from Japan, she proposes a new form of critical history as we move from modernity's promise of freedom and development to the more modest goal of sustainability with decency.