Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 273 | Stefanos Geroulanos on the Invention of Prehistory
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Apr 22, 2024 Stefanos Geroulanos, a history professor at NYU and director of the Remarque Institute, dives into the fascinating topic of how we construct narratives about prehistory. He discusses the biases that shape our understanding of ancient humans and how contemporary political views can influence scientific interpretations. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of thoughts on civilization, the role of archaeology and anthropology, and the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists intertwined with ideology. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of our past!
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Scientists' Biases
- Scientists, like all humans, are susceptible to biases.
- This is especially apparent when studying prehistory, where limited data allows more room for interpretation.
Prehistory's Allure
- Prehistory is the study of human events before written records.
- It's a field ripe for bias because our narratives shape how we understand ourselves.
Invention of Prehistory
- Stefanos Geroulanos's book "The Invention of Prehistory" explores how we've used prehistory.
- It focuses on how our interpretations of prehistory serve present cultural and political goals.
