What is the relationship between knowledge, sentiment, and care? The history of famine relief in the modern French Empire suggests that descriptions of suffering did not necessarily encourage anti-famine policy or charity, but could serve a variety of political and psychological ends. Drawing on neuroscientific understandings of empathy, this talk will reflect on the coexistence of sentimental descriptions of famine and the absence of responsibility for its victims during famines in 19th and early 20th century Algeria, Chad, and Indochina.
Yan Slobodkin is a historian of modern Europe, with a focus on French colonial and transnational history. His current book project is a history of famine in 19th- and 20th century North Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, and its relationship to changing ideas of scientific control, political obligation, and humanitarian ethics. He received his Ph.D. in history from Stanford University and his B.A. in history and French from Oberlin College.
This workshop will take the format of a presentation followed by a discussion. Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.
Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation in order to participate in this event should contact srwhite@uchicago.edu in advance.