Since 1973-1974, the Hilldale Lecture Series has showcased distinguished thinkers whose contributions to contemporary culture and science have received international recognition and acclaim. One lecture is funded annually in each division.
Please click on the tabs below to view the Hilldale Lectures scheduled in the four divisions.
Literary Narrative Confronting a ‘Just and Orderly Transition’
Karen Pinkus, Professor Emerita of Romance Studies and Comparative Literature, Cornell University
Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature at Cornell University
Friday, November 1st, 2024, 3:00pm
Conrad A. Elvehjem Building L140
800 University Ave
In 2023 the COP meeting in Dubai called for a “just, orderly and equitable” transition away from fossil fuels. It would be difficult for any reasonable person to take a position against the transition. But perhaps reason is not helpful here and now. I put literary narratives (primarily French and Italian, although in theory I am suggesting a broader method) in conversation with climate policy, in order to undo a complacent faith in “transition.” What are its temporal logics? How will we know when it is over? Can economic transformations or scientific paradigm shifts provide useful models? And ultimately, how does literary writing, with its potential ruptures or failures, stand in relation to our collective dream of a smooth sail into a fossil-free future?
Alison Brown, MS, PhD, RDN
Program Director in the Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch
of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health
Time and location TBD
Jane Rigby
Senior Project Scientist for the James Webb Space
Telescope at NASA
Time and location TBD
Sendhil Mullainathan, PhD
Roman Family University Professor of Computation and Behavioral Science and
University Professor at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business
Time and location TBD