New Books Network

Joshua Duclos, philosopher and author of *Wilderness, Morality, and Value*, explores the paradox of wilderness in relation to wildlife suffering. He challenges the notion that wilderness is inherently good for wildlife, highlighting the moral ambiguity of wilderness preservation. Duclos advocates for reframing our understanding of wilderness, discussing rewilding, wild animal welfare, and the anthropocentric values we assign to natural spaces. He emphasizes the need for more philosophical and scientific inquiry into intervention strategies that could alleviate suffering in wild animals.

Charles Higham, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Otago, delves into Southeast Asia's rich history, covering nearly two million years from early human species to the rise of civilizations. He highlights the groundbreaking discoveries of Homo erectus and the mysterious island hominins like Homo floresiensis. Higham also discusses the impact of recent technologies like LiDAR on understanding Angkor's urban layout and the influences of trade and Indian culture in forming early states. The connection between ancient populations and modern Southeast Asians is another intriguing highlight.

Philip Pettit, a distinguished political philosopher and author of The State, explores the fundamental nature of the state and its relationship to justice. He discusses his theory of neo-republicanism, emphasizing freedom as non-domination. Pettit examines the legitimacy of states, contrasting U.S. presidential systems with parliamentary models. He argues for group agency in states and the importance of checks against power. The conversation dives into citizens' assemblies as tools for democratic innovation and the need for functional constraints to achieve justice.

In a captivating discussion, Robert Macfarlane, a renowned British nature writer, shares insights from his book exploring the idea that rivers are living beings deserving legal recognition. He delves into his mountainous upbringing and explains the phenomenon of shifting baseline syndrome that affects our view of nature. Macfarlane recounts his journeys to Ecuador and Chennai, highlighting the fight for environmental rights and the passionate work of local activists like Yuvan. He challenges listeners to consider what a river might want and the broader implications of animacy in nature.

John Kieschnick, a Professor of Buddhist Studies at Stanford University, discusses the intricate relationship between Chinese Buddhism and historiography. He uncovers how Buddhists have documented historical events, dating the Buddha's life while grappling with Indian influences on their narratives. Kieschnick delves into the role of karma as a tool for understanding history and the significance of monastic genealogies. He also examines the evolution of Buddhist historiography against the backdrop of modern scholarship, setting the stage for future explorations.

In this fascinating discussion, Dennis Deletant shares his deep connection to Romania, sparked by visits since 1965. He explores the complexities of life under Communist rule, revealing how humor and resilience helped individuals cope with oppressive systems. Deletant narrates his personal experiences, including marriage to a Romanian and encounters with dissidents. He also reflects on the shocking contents of his own Securitate file, uncovers insights on the legacy of Ceaușescu, and expresses cautious optimism for the future amid ongoing corruption.

Stephen Murphy, Pratapaditya Pal Senior Lecturer in Curating and Museology of Asian Art, delves into the rich Buddhist heritage of the Khorat Plateau. He discusses landscape archaeology and how Buddhism transformed the terrain through monumental architecture and community centers. Murphy highlights the connection between archaeological sites like Mung Fa De and the spread of Buddhist art and practices. He also explores ongoing issues of looting and restitution, emphasizing the need to reintegrate cultural artifacts into their historical context.

In this discussion, Sarah F. Derbew, an Assistant Professor of Classics at Stanford and author of Untangling Blackness in Greek Antiquity, delves into the complexities of Black representations in ancient Greek literature and art. She highlights the influence of Herodotus on her work, challenges traditional readings of imagery, and emphasizes the need for precise terminology. Derbew critiques modern frameworks that distort ancient understandings of race, while also exploring nuanced identities in texts like Aeschylus' Suppliants. This conversation uncovers the rich intersections of performance studies and ancient race representation.

Carolyn J. Eichner, a historian and professor, delves into the intricate ties between feminisms and imperialism in her book, *Feminism's Empire*. She discusses how early French feminists navigated anti-imperialist sentiments while paradoxically engaging with imperial structures. Eichner profiles five remarkable feminists, highlighting their diverse political beliefs and their critiques of gender and empire. Fascinatingly, she illustrates how their struggles mirror the complexities of citizenship and inclusion during a time of significant socio-political upheaval.

Oliver Davis, a professor of French studies, and Tim Dean, an English professor focused on sexuality, delve into the complex feelings surrounding sex in their work, Hatred of Sex. They argue that our relationship with sex often includes an intrinsic antipathy, revealing how pleasure can lead to pain. The duo critiques cultural norms that suppress sexual expression and explores the ties between sexual identity and personal upheaval. Their insights challenge ongoing sociological and therapeutic narratives, advocating for a deeper embrace of the chaotic nature of sexual experiences.