Philosophy Club Presents
Gender- and Race-Bending in Fiction: Does the Character Survive?
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Olin Humanities, Room 203
4:45 pm – 6:30 am EDT/GMT-4
4:45 pm – 6:30 am EDT/GMT-4
Philosophy Club 'Women in Philosophy' Lecture Series
The revision or alteration of the gender or race of fictional characters has sparked a great deal of debate in recent years. Though not often discussed explicitly, one of the puzzles underlying this discussion is whether a character can survive a change in gender or race, or whether it must retain the gender or race of the original work to remain the same character. Many questions surround this central issue: Are gender or race essential properties of people? What role should authorial intention play interpreting a work of fiction? How do we identify works as canonical? Drawing on work on the ontology of fiction, gender and race theory, literary theory, and aesthetics, Dr. Muller will discuss these questions and more, arguing ultimately that a character can survive gender- and race-bending and, furthermore, that such changes enhance our cultural landscape by expanding our imaginations and enriching our conception of what is possible.Download: WIP_Fall 16_Poster.pdf
For more information, call 917-826-3256, or e-mail [email protected].
Time: 4:45 pm – 6:30 am EDT/GMT-4
Location: Olin Humanities, Room 203