Katharine Earnshaw: The Ethics and Temporalities of Rust 

The Department of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Spring 2021 Lecture Series
New Approaches to the Ancient Mediterranean World

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 989 5513 8923
Passcode: 455233

April 27: Katharine Earnshaw (University of Exeter)
“The Ethics and Temporalities of Rust”

Abstract: Rust is a neat material indicator of the asymmetry of time. In this paper I will consider the different varieties of ancient rust, and explore some rusty moments across Greek and Latin literature where it is morally charged with an ability to heal, to indicate decay, corrosion, and destruction, or where its presence inserts some ethical ambiguity to a situation. I consider in particular the future of rust and its relationship to heritage and memory, and end with some open questions about whether rust can add substance to timely issues in environmental ethics.

This series is made possible with generous support from the Anonymous Fund.