Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
273 | Stefanos Geroulanos on the Invention of Prehistory
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!
01:19:24
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Quick takeaways
- Historical narratives can be weaponized for political agendas, as seen in the misuse of prehistoric studies during the rise of Nazism.
- The ethical implications of historical discourses are underscored by the responsibility of researchers to consider potential misappropriation for oppressive agendas.
Deep dives
Evolution of Prehistoric Discourse
In the discussion of prehistoric times, there was a progression from religious and mythical narratives to more scientific and evidence-based theories. The 19th century saw debates on the origin of humanity, with ideas ranging from origins in Asia to linguistic origins rooted in Indo-European languages. Archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology all contributed to shaping the understanding of prehistory, with various scientific disciplines offering different perspectives that sometimes complemented and other times conflicted with each other.
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