From Representations to Perceptions: A New “Horizon of Expectation” in Historical Theory?
This article discusses the “cognitive turn” in history and the usefulness of the cognitive sciences for a history of emotions and representation.
society
Volatile Bodies, Volatile Earth: Towards an Ethic of Vulnerability
This article outlines a “microontology” of social life on Earth. This ontology attends to the majority of relations on our planet: those amongst microbes.
Neurohistorical and Evolutionary Aspects of a History of Shame and Shaming
Bodily adaptations have been integrated into human culture in a co-evolutionary process, such as the social and regulating function of the moral emotion shame. The ability to feel shame and physiological markers of it, such as blushing, are hardwired, but they are used in many different and sometimes even contradicting ways in specific cultures.
Psychotropy and the Patterns of Power in Human History
Human cultures have exploited bottlenecks in commodities or resources in order to gain power and control. This essay looks at two examples of psychotropic mechanisms being used in this way
Surplus—Terrorized Into Being Consumers
Surplus—Terrorized Into Being Consumers is a film about the destructive side of consumer culture.
"Humankind and the Environment: An Anatomy of Surprise and Ignorance"
The present article offers an analysis of human surprise and ignorance in the context of environmental issues.
"Tasks for Future Ecologists"
A new perception of time is needed to help predict the long term effects of climate change on the environment as well as on human social systems.
International Environmental History: Nature as a Cultural Challenge
About this issue
In this issue of RCC Perspectives, adapted from a 2008 proposal submitted to the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Christof Mauch and Helmuth Trischler explain why the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society was founded. They conclude by outlining the six research clusters of the RCC and highlighting its activities, which include colloquia, summer schools, international conferences, and exhibitions.
Content
Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation
A cultural history of bees and beekeeping in the United States.
"Teaching and Discovering Environmental History Online"
This podcast reports on two sessions from the sixth conference of the ESEH, which took place in Turku, Finland, from 27 June to 2 July 2011.