Serena Kataoka, "'Post-Darwin' Thinking: from Evolution to History." Friday, Nov. 23

 From Derek Neal:

This week's History Seminar Series features Ms Serena Kataoka, who will address us on the subject of "'Post-Darwin' Thinking: from Evolution to History." Ms Kataoka teaches in Nipissing's Department of Political Science, and is also a doctoral candidate in Political Science at the University of Victoria.

According to Ms Kataoka, the influential ideas of Jane Jacobs on urban planning attempt to follow Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, modifying Darwinian ideas of "mutation" and "natural selection" into a theory of "urban evolution." However, Ms Kataoka observes that Jacobs' thinking is heavily determined by pre-Darwinian notions of "progress." This presentation draws on Ms Kataoka's fieldwork in the Bridgeview neighbourhood of Vancouver, and will gesture toward ideas of change that question Darwin's rational explanations of why one thing survives over another, focusing instead on the contingency of history.

The talk is at 2:30 pm in room A226, it is free of charge, liquid (though non-alcoholic) refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Hoping to see you at the talk,

Derek Neal