Facing the Anthropocene with Interdisciplinary Collaboration
In an era of climate urgency, addressing environmental challenges requires more than scientific data or political strategies. It calls for interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together voices from the humanities, sciences, and beyond to engage with the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of the Anthropocene. Stanford Humanities Center’s Facing the Anthropocene workshop series exemplifies this integrative approach, demonstrating how diverse perspectives foster creative solutions and civil discourse.
Bridging Departments and Communities Across Campus
One of the series’ central missions is to break down silos within Stanford’s academic ecosystem. Hosted by the Stanford Humanities Center and co-sponsored by the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, Facing the Anthropocene actively builds bridges between the humanities and sciences. Drawn from a variety of academic backgrounds, series co-organizers Dr. Shannon Sylvie Abelson, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ethics Center, in partnership with the Doerr School; Dr. Ben Mylius, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ethics Center, in partnership with the Doerr School; and César Valenzuela, PhD candidate in Philosophy, embody the workshop’s interdisciplinary spirit. They emphasize that the workshops are not limited to environmental scientists or ethicists; they welcome participation from activists, lawyers, philosophers, and poets.
This interdisciplinary character creates a unique intellectual community where undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty exchange ideas not just during formal talks but also over meals with speakers. These informal gatherings foster collegiality and inspire attendees to approach environmental issues with fresh perspectives.
A powerful theme emerging from the series is what Abelson calls a “cycle of inspiration.” Facing the Anthropocene brings together seasoned pioneers in climate ethics and emerging scholars to share insights that shape and inspire each other’s work. Speakers like a former Stanford graduate, now a faculty member elsewhere, return to discuss their research, motivating a new generation to tackle climate issues. This exchange of ideas cultivates a dynamic intellectual community, fostering mentorship and collaboration across generations of thinkers.
The Ethical and Political Dimensions of Environmental Challenges
Collaboration is necessary because environmental issues are never just scientific; they’re profoundly ethical and political. From the global inequities exposed by climate change to debates about corporate responsibility versus individual action, the complexities demand a holistic view. As Valenzuela noted, “These issues cannot be answered alone through philosophy—or alone through environmental science or engineering.” Tackling these dilemmas requires engaging thinkers and activists across disciplines to explore what justice means in the context of our climate crisis.
Workshops in the series have examined topics ranging from the responsibilities of fossil fuel and food corporations to the implications of environmental policies for vulnerable populations. From analyzing the ethical implications of malaria prevention strategies to critiquing corporate narratives on sustainability, the series covers issues often overlooked in mainstream environmental discourse. These varied discussions not only enrich academic understanding but also encourage constructive conversation from a variety of perspectives, inspiring participants to see their own work in new ways. Reflecting on this inclusivity, Abelson remarked, “You can be a poet and find something here that’s useful and engaging.”
A History of Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Stanford
The Facing the Anthropocene workshop series builds on Stanford’s legacy of interdisciplinary inquiry, hosted by the Stanford Humanities Center and co-sponsored by the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society. Since 1980, the Humanities Center has championed the role of the humanities in addressing global challenges, while the Ethics Center provides a platform to examine moral questions in public life. Together, these institutions foster dialogue across disciplines, underscoring the humanities’ vital role in tackling climate change.
Amid today’s polarized climate, the series promotes collaborative communication. Workshops create a space for diverse perspectives, fostering civil discourse and equipping attendees with tools to navigate complex conversations. As Abelson remarked, “These workshops create a space for diverse perspectives, fostering the kind of civil discourse desperately needed in broader society.”
Join the Conversation: A Call to Action
Facing the Anthropocene invites the Stanford community to engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time. To join the conversation, visit the Stanford Humanities Center events page to explore upcoming workshops or sign up for the mailing list to stay informed. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or local community member, your perspective can enrich these critical conversations.
Dr. Jennifer A. Reimer is an Assistant Professor of American Studies at Oregon State University-Cascades and a writer-editor. She writes about social justice, migration, and poetry.
This Workshop is sponsored by the Stanford Humanities Center and made possible by support from an anonymous donor, former Fellows, the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society.