Abstract

The use of binary framings and dyadic models are ubiquitous in much theory, method, and practice in the biological and social sciences. However, contemporary study of bodies, ecologies, and behavior pushes against such approaches. I, like many others, suggest that more integrative and transdisciplinary research is needed to better engage many living systems. In this talk I offer reflections on the shortcomings of binaries/dyads drawn from decades of research with humans and other animal biology and behavior. I briefly highlight two ongoing case studies where binary/dyadic framings inhibit effective analyses: a) human-other primate relations and b) sex biology and human lives.

Short Bio

Agustín Fuentes , a Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University, focuses on the biosocial, delving into the entanglement of biological systems with the social and cultural lives of humans, our ancestors, and a few of the other animals with whom humanity shares close relations. Earning his BA/BS in Anthropology and Zoology and his MA and PhD in Anthropology from UC Berkeley, he has conducted research across four continents, multiple species, and two-million years of human history. His current projects include exploring cooperation, creativity, and belief in human evolution, multispecies anthropologies, evolutionary theory and processes, gender/sex, and engaging race and racism. Fuentes’ books include “Sex is a Spectrum, the biological limits of the binary” (Princeton U press), “Race, Monogamy, and other lies they told you: busting myths about human nature” (U of California), “The Creative Spark: how imagination made humans exceptional" (Dutton), and “Why We Believe: evolution and the human way of being” (Yale).  

What is an AIAS Seminar?

The AIAS Seminar Series is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellows, AIAS Visiting or Tandem Fellows or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, a fellow will present and discuss her/his current research and work-in-progress to an interdisciplinary audience for 30 minutes, closing off with 30 minutes for questions, comments and discussion.

All seminars are in-person and held in English. To attend online, please contact Cecilie Horshauge at cecilie@aias.au.dk by 9:00am on the day of the seminar as the latest to request a link.