Join Nathaniel Dominy, Professor of Anthropology at Dartmouth College, and Catherine Hobaiter, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, for a discussion of anthropology, fear, and film (Out Of Darkness). This is a hybrid program, attend in person in the Mayer Room (no registration required) or by Zoom (register for Zoom invitation here).

Some fears emerge from specific life experiences; others are universal and innate, such as our fear of darkness. But fearing the dark is a misconception. It is the things lurking unseen that frighten us most, and some scholars view this sense of vulnerability as a driving force on our impulse to use and control fire. Recent findings suggest that fire can do more than provide a source of heat and security. Firelight—and the scary spooky stories we tell—may have shaped human social behaviors in profound ways, including our use of spoken language. Recent research on this topic is reflected beautifully in a surprising genre, a horror film titled Out of Darkness, now streaming on every major platform [rated R for violence and some grisly images]. Please join us for a fun discussion of this outstanding film (with spoilers!) and the central importance of firelight to the origin of storytelling.

CO-PRESENTERS:

Nathaniel Dominy is the Charles Hansen Professor of Anthropology at Dartmouth College. A biological anthropologist, his research is focused on the ecology and evolution of primate sensory systems.

Catherine Hobaiter is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. A comparative psychologist, her research pivots around the social behaviors of wild chimpanzees and the evolution of language.