Philosophy Program and Dean of the College Present

Imagining Disaster Otherwise: Philosophical Resources for the Climate Crisis

When disasters strike, we often imagine them as scenes from an action movie: violent, heroic, and focused on self-preservation. However, 100 years of disaster sociology tells us that, in reality, people tend to come together, care for one another, and find new ways to make life collectively possible. In this talk, I will examine the power of our dominant, violent disaster imaginary and ask: how can we begin to imagine disasters differently? What kinds of new imaginaries can foster collective, coalition-building, and aspirational practices?

Drawing on Black feminist thought, literature and social movements, Indigenous philosophy, and moral frameworks grounded in African and Haitian practices of resistance, I will outline a set of tools that offer possibilities for reimagining our response to the climate crisis. To ensure our survival in the era of climate crisis, we must develop disaster policies and practices that actively support aspirational visions and collective creativity, while helping us resist nostalgic and reactionary narratives. I’ll draw on the work of doulas (those who support others through the crisis of birth) to show how we can practice disaster otherwise, even in the face of a hostile state.

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For more information, call 845-758-7667, or e-mail [email protected].

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EST/GMT-5

Location: Hegeman 204A

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