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OxTalks will soon move to the new Halo platform and will become 'Oxford Events.' There will be a need for an OxTalks freeze. This was previously planned for Friday 14th November – a new date will be shared as soon as it is available (full details will be available on the Staff Gateway).
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Cleopatra's Nose: Historical Contingency and Why it Matters
What do we mean when we characterise certain events, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, or the spreading of a new mutation of COVID as necessary or inevitable? Conversely, what do we mean when judging these to be contingent, supposing they could have turned out differently (if only …)? These familiar notions sound beguilingly unproblematic; indeed, they pervade common thinking about determinism and chance. Yet, perusing their place in history, literature, the evolution of life, and the present climate crisis, this talk sheds new light on the concepts of historical contingency and necessity, and explores some of their moral implications.
The presentation will be followed by discussion and drinks.
The event is free and open to all.
Date:
21 February 2023, 17:15
Venue:
Worcester College, Walton Street OX1 2HB
Venue Details:
Sultan Nazrin Shah Auditorium
Speaker:
Professor Yemima Ben-Menahem (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
Organising department:
Worcester College
Part of:
Massada Fellowship Programme seminars
Booking required?:
Not required
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Belinda Clark
