This talk examines how central themes within the history of anthropology—civilization\, progress\, freedom—are used in science fiction to address anxieties about our collective future. The Common Book\, <em>The Circle</em> by Dave Eggers\, builds and expands upon classic and contemporary fiction about utopias and dystopias. For example\, <em>The Circle</em>’s concerns about freedom\, knowledge\, and community are shared by Aldous Huxley’s <em>Brave New World</em> and beyond. As Eggers argues\, utopias are rarely as idyllic as they may seem. This talk draws connections between <em>The Circle </em>and classic science fiction texts\, demonstrating how an anthropological approach can help us understand our ever-changing society and fears about where we are going.
Dr. Christopher Berk is a visiting instructor of anthropology in the Department of Sociology\, Anthropology\, and Social Work.