Genealogies of Modernity Episode 3: What Is Genealogy?

Modernity strives to break with the past, especially genealogy. However, is it possible for a society to break a genealogical thread?

In this episode, we explore the meaning and value of genealogy, a way of thinking that will shape the rest of this series. We ask how different forms of genealogical thinking can reconnect us to the past without limiting our future to the past. We see how critical genealogy does the important work of challenging both of those kinds of modernity claim that purport to leave the past behind, and noble origin stories which claim a purely virtuous inheritance from the past. But we also see how recovering the past can offer possibilities for flourishing in the future. In Chinese ancestor rituals, medieval family trees, and modern reconciliation ceremonies, we see how communities use creative genealogy to open up new connections and new beginnings.

For the full season, complete show notes, and resources, visit Genealogies of Modernity.