Project Director: Mana Kia
Working Group Members: David Lurie (EALAC), Alison Vacca (MESAAS), John Phan (EALAC), Ali Karjoo-Ravary (History), Jonathan Peterson (MESAAS), Amir Izadpanahi (MESAAS)
Alternative Modes of Being unites scholars across disciplines focusing on Asia and Africa to explore premodern knowledge traditions in dialogue with contemporary social and natural sciences. We aim to address the interlocking crises of capitalism, colonialism, and climate chaos by reinvigorating scholarship and art. Through collaborative inquiry, we seek to imagine alternatives to current models that jeopardize our planet's future. Our discussions span themes of growth and prosperity, self and social worlds, and beauty and ethics, drawing on diverse perspectives to foster critical engagement and regeneration of concepts. By bridging temporal and disciplinary divides, we strive to reshape academic discourse and form, integrating artistic modes of representation to convey alternative modes of existence. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards reimagining our collective future. Explore our long-term vision and working plan for the first two years on our webpage.