Faculty Of Arts Events Calendar
Details
| Title: | What are Human Beings and Why Does it Matter? |
| Description: | As part of the Early 2013 Sociological Talk Series hosted by the
Department of Sociology and the Sociology Society, please join us for a
presentation by Dr. Ken Fish, Assistant Professor in the
Sociology Department, entitled "What are Human Beings and Why Does it Matter? A Defense of Essentialism in Critical Theory." From Plato to the Frankfurt School, social critique always rested on some conception of a human essence. More recently, essentialism has come under attack from both inside and outside the social sciences. On the one hand, ethologists have provided convincing evidence that non-human animals possess many of the characteristics once thought unique to human beings. On the other hand, postmodern theorists have demonstrated that human beings are a product of history, society, and culture and therefore possess no stable set of characteristics that are essential to them. Thus, if critical theory rests on essentialism, it would seem to be in trouble indeed. This talk seeks to rethink the human essence in light of these ethological and postmodern perspectives. I argue that, while certainly sharing certain characteristics with other animals, humans are self-created in a way that distinguishes them from non-humans. I conclude by suggesting the kind of critique that is implied by this “social essentialism”. This is a great chance for scholarly exchange and a light lunch will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend. |
| Sponsor: | Department of Sociology & the Sociolgy Society |
| When: | March 20, 2013, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Where: |
The Faculty & Staff Club 515 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB Canada Map |
| Contact: |
Carla Myketa c.myketa@uwinnipeg.ca 204.786.9364 |
| Category: | Lectures |