Christopher Watkin
@drchriswatkin.bsky.social
A/Prof French & Francophone Studies, Monash University.
Author: Michel Serres: Figures of Thought(2020); Biblical Critical Theory (2022); The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity (2025).
Linktr.ee/christopherwatkin
Author: Michel Serres: Figures of Thought(2020); Biblical Critical Theory (2022); The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity (2025).
Linktr.ee/christopherwatkin
Whether you're an AI boomer, doomer or scoffer, we need to work out the right questions to ask about genAI while it's still in its current horseless carriage phase.
Last week I joined a team of AI industry experts, researchers and entrepreneurs in Seoul to try and figure it out.
aiandfaith.org
Last week I joined a team of AI industry experts, researchers and entrepreneurs in Seoul to try and figure it out.
aiandfaith.org
November 8, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Whether you're an AI boomer, doomer or scoffer, we need to work out the right questions to ask about genAI while it's still in its current horseless carriage phase.
Last week I joined a team of AI industry experts, researchers and entrepreneurs in Seoul to try and figure it out.
aiandfaith.org
Last week I joined a team of AI industry experts, researchers and entrepreneurs in Seoul to try and figure it out.
aiandfaith.org
Yesterday I had the joy of hearing graphic novelist Clément Baloup speak about his remarkable work at the Monash European Languages Annual Lecture.
Huge thanks to Dr Charlotte Mackay for organising , Dr Tess Do for coordinating, and sponsors @monashuniversity.bsky.social & @unimelb.bsky.social !
Huge thanks to Dr Charlotte Mackay for organising , Dr Tess Do for coordinating, and sponsors @monashuniversity.bsky.social & @unimelb.bsky.social !
October 24, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Yesterday I had the joy of hearing graphic novelist Clément Baloup speak about his remarkable work at the Monash European Languages Annual Lecture.
Huge thanks to Dr Charlotte Mackay for organising , Dr Tess Do for coordinating, and sponsors @monashuniversity.bsky.social & @unimelb.bsky.social !
Huge thanks to Dr Charlotte Mackay for organising , Dr Tess Do for coordinating, and sponsors @monashuniversity.bsky.social & @unimelb.bsky.social !
In April 2026, my book "The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" will be launched at a symposium in Sydney, with Sandra Leonie Field, Peter Harrison and Jessica Whyte speaking (thank you all!).
In-person and online attendance.
Rego page: events.nd.edu.au/state-of-nat...
In-person and online attendance.
Rego page: events.nd.edu.au/state-of-nat...
October 23, 2025 at 4:34 AM
In April 2026, my book "The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" will be launched at a symposium in Sydney, with Sandra Leonie Field, Peter Harrison and Jessica Whyte speaking (thank you all!).
In-person and online attendance.
Rego page: events.nd.edu.au/state-of-nat...
In-person and online attendance.
Rego page: events.nd.edu.au/state-of-nat...
Next week I’ll be in Seoul for the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly, speaking on AI, Ethics & Trust: algorithmic justice, imago Dei, vocation & creation care, and accountability. If you’re there, let’s connect. #WEAGA2025 #AI #Theology
#WEAGA2025
#WEAGA2025
October 19, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Next week I’ll be in Seoul for the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly, speaking on AI, Ethics & Trust: algorithmic justice, imago Dei, vocation & creation care, and accountability. If you’re there, let’s connect. #WEAGA2025 #AI #Theology
#WEAGA2025
#WEAGA2025
Jason Ramasami from @crosslands has made this lovely animation inspired by the Babel chapter of my book Biblical Critical Theory.
It dramatises the "Babelian quest" of striving to make a name for ourselves, and the libereating peace of receiving a name from a divine lover.
It dramatises the "Babelian quest" of striving to make a name for ourselves, and the libereating peace of receiving a name from a divine lover.
September 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Jason Ramasami from @crosslands has made this lovely animation inspired by the Babel chapter of my book Biblical Critical Theory.
It dramatises the "Babelian quest" of striving to make a name for ourselves, and the libereating peace of receiving a name from a divine lover.
It dramatises the "Babelian quest" of striving to make a name for ourselves, and the libereating peace of receiving a name from a divine lover.
The publication process for "The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" grinds on.
Here is the proof (in both senses).
Here is the proof (in both senses).
July 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
The publication process for "The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" grinds on.
Here is the proof (in both senses).
Here is the proof (in both senses).
Upcoming Social Contract Research Network Zoom seminar:
Prof Douglas Guilfoyle @djag2.bsky.social UNSW
"The Oceans as a Commons: everyone’s, no-one’s, or a public good?"
Tu 29 April: 8pm Melbourne 11am London; 6am NYC
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Prof Douglas Guilfoyle @djag2.bsky.social UNSW
"The Oceans as a Commons: everyone’s, no-one’s, or a public good?"
Tu 29 April: 8pm Melbourne 11am London; 6am NYC
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
April 27, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Upcoming Social Contract Research Network Zoom seminar:
Prof Douglas Guilfoyle @djag2.bsky.social UNSW
"The Oceans as a Commons: everyone’s, no-one’s, or a public good?"
Tu 29 April: 8pm Melbourne 11am London; 6am NYC
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Prof Douglas Guilfoyle @djag2.bsky.social UNSW
"The Oceans as a Commons: everyone’s, no-one’s, or a public good?"
Tu 29 April: 8pm Melbourne 11am London; 6am NYC
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
There's a new special issue of the Parrhesia journal, dedicated to the work of Michel Serres:
Full open access PDF: parrhesiajournal.org/wp-content/u...
TOC 👇
Full open access PDF: parrhesiajournal.org/wp-content/u...
TOC 👇
April 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
There's a new special issue of the Parrhesia journal, dedicated to the work of Michel Serres:
Full open access PDF: parrhesiajournal.org/wp-content/u...
TOC 👇
Full open access PDF: parrhesiajournal.org/wp-content/u...
TOC 👇
Upcoming Social Contract Research Network seminar:
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good", with David M. McCourt
Tuesday 15 April , 8pm Melbourne; 2pm Abu Dhabi; 11am London; 6am New York City.
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Details:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good", with David M. McCourt
Tuesday 15 April , 8pm Melbourne; 2pm Abu Dhabi; 11am London; 6am New York City.
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Details:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
April 14, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Upcoming Social Contract Research Network seminar:
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good", with David M. McCourt
Tuesday 15 April , 8pm Melbourne; 2pm Abu Dhabi; 11am London; 6am New York City.
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Details:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good", with David M. McCourt
Tuesday 15 April , 8pm Melbourne; 2pm Abu Dhabi; 11am London; 6am New York City.
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Details:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Reminder: Social Contract Research Network Zoom seminar this coming Tuesday.
Tom Simpson, "Cultures of Trust"
Tuesday 8 April. Melbourne 8pm; London 11am; New York City 6am.
Free registration: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Tom Simpson, "Cultures of Trust"
Tuesday 8 April. Melbourne 8pm; London 11am; New York City 6am.
Free registration: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
April 4, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Reminder: Social Contract Research Network Zoom seminar this coming Tuesday.
Tom Simpson, "Cultures of Trust"
Tuesday 8 April. Melbourne 8pm; London 11am; New York City 6am.
Free registration: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Tom Simpson, "Cultures of Trust"
Tuesday 8 April. Melbourne 8pm; London 11am; New York City 6am.
Free registration: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info: www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
"The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" is one step closer to coming out: it now has a cover design.
Expected publication date, some time late in 2025.
If you'd like to know more, here's a reading of the Introduction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciw6...
Expected publication date, some time late in 2025.
If you'd like to know more, here's a reading of the Introduction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciw6...
March 30, 2025 at 8:08 PM
"The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity" is one step closer to coming out: it now has a cover design.
Expected publication date, some time late in 2025.
If you'd like to know more, here's a reading of the Introduction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciw6...
Expected publication date, some time late in 2025.
If you'd like to know more, here's a reading of the Introduction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ciw6...
In just over 24 hours' time: free Zoom seminar.
Amy Chandran on Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes's Leviathan.
Tuesday 25 March, 9am Melbourne time.
Monday 24 March, 6pm Florida, 10pm London.
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Amy Chandran on Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes's Leviathan.
Tuesday 25 March, 9am Melbourne time.
Monday 24 March, 6pm Florida, 10pm London.
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
March 23, 2025 at 6:55 PM
In just over 24 hours' time: free Zoom seminar.
Amy Chandran on Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes's Leviathan.
Tuesday 25 March, 9am Melbourne time.
Monday 24 March, 6pm Florida, 10pm London.
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Amy Chandran on Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes's Leviathan.
Tuesday 25 March, 9am Melbourne time.
Monday 24 March, 6pm Florida, 10pm London.
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Upcoming SCRN Zoom seminar!
David M. McCourt, @ucdavis.bsky.social
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good"
Tuesday 15 April, 8pm Melbourne time | 2pm Abu Dhabi | 11am London | 6am New York City
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
monash.edu/arts/languag...
David M. McCourt, @ucdavis.bsky.social
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good"
Tuesday 15 April, 8pm Melbourne time | 2pm Abu Dhabi | 11am London | 6am New York City
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
monash.edu/arts/languag...
March 13, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Upcoming SCRN Zoom seminar!
David M. McCourt, @ucdavis.bsky.social
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good"
Tuesday 15 April, 8pm Melbourne time | 2pm Abu Dhabi | 11am London | 6am New York City
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
monash.edu/arts/languag...
David M. McCourt, @ucdavis.bsky.social
"Standing Up to Beijing and the Common Good"
Tuesday 15 April, 8pm Melbourne time | 2pm Abu Dhabi | 11am London | 6am New York City
Register: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
monash.edu/arts/languag...
Upcoming SCRN Zoom seminar!
Tom Simpson, @wadhamoxford
"Cultures of Trust" Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8pm Melbourne time
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Tom Simpson, @wadhamoxford
"Cultures of Trust" Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8pm Melbourne time
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
February 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Upcoming SCRN Zoom seminar!
Tom Simpson, @wadhamoxford
"Cultures of Trust" Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8pm Melbourne time
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Tom Simpson, @wadhamoxford
"Cultures of Trust" Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8pm Melbourne time
Registration:
monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
More info:
www.monash.edu/arts/languag...
Register now for the next SCRN Zoom seminar!
@amy_chandran, "Of Creating the Commonwealth: Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes’s Leviathan"
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9am Melbourne time
Rego: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@amy_chandran, "Of Creating the Commonwealth: Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes’s Leviathan"
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9am Melbourne time
Rego: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
February 21, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Register now for the next SCRN Zoom seminar!
@amy_chandran, "Of Creating the Commonwealth: Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes’s Leviathan"
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9am Melbourne time
Rego: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@amy_chandran, "Of Creating the Commonwealth: Power, Projection and Religion in Hobbes’s Leviathan"
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9am Melbourne time
Rego: monash.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
As part of my common good project I'm preparing a video on the subject of "common sense": its history, ideology and contemporary uses across the political spectrum and throughout society.
If anyone has any interesting examples of the term, I'd love to hear about them.
E.g:
If anyone has any interesting examples of the term, I'd love to hear about them.
E.g:
February 12, 2025 at 3:01 AM
As part of my common good project I'm preparing a video on the subject of "common sense": its history, ideology and contemporary uses across the political spectrum and throughout society.
If anyone has any interesting examples of the term, I'd love to hear about them.
E.g:
If anyone has any interesting examples of the term, I'd love to hear about them.
E.g:
Look what's arrived! Many congratulations to Madeleine Chalmers and @edinburghup.bsky.social
February 10, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Look what's arrived! Many congratulations to Madeleine Chalmers and @edinburghup.bsky.social
Diagonalize this...
February 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Diagonalize this...
If you find yourself in NYC this January and your interest is piqued by a series of evening lectures on "Theological foundations for human flourishing", this could be for you.
January 1, 2025 at 3:42 AM
If you find yourself in NYC this January and your interest is piqued by a series of evening lectures on "Theological foundations for human flourishing", this could be for you.
While I still have a couple of videos I want to make on Jordan Peterson, Ezra Klein and Kevin Vanhoozer, here is my new reading list.
I'm focusing on the relationship between space and the common good, for my incipient book project on the common good.
I'm focusing on the relationship between space and the common good, for my incipient book project on the common good.
December 16, 2024 at 6:09 AM
While I still have a couple of videos I want to make on Jordan Peterson, Ezra Klein and Kevin Vanhoozer, here is my new reading list.
I'm focusing on the relationship between space and the common good, for my incipient book project on the common good.
I'm focusing on the relationship between space and the common good, for my incipient book project on the common good.
Yesterday I had the great joy of celebrating the PhD graduation of my amazing student Alma Fazeli.
Congratulations, Dr Fazeli!
Anyone interested in freedom in Foucault, Fanon, Ali Shariati and/or Jalal Al-e Ahmad: you haven't heard the full story if you haven't read Alma's work.
Congratulations, Dr Fazeli!
Anyone interested in freedom in Foucault, Fanon, Ali Shariati and/or Jalal Al-e Ahmad: you haven't heard the full story if you haven't read Alma's work.
December 14, 2024 at 1:15 AM
Yesterday I had the great joy of celebrating the PhD graduation of my amazing student Alma Fazeli.
Congratulations, Dr Fazeli!
Anyone interested in freedom in Foucault, Fanon, Ali Shariati and/or Jalal Al-e Ahmad: you haven't heard the full story if you haven't read Alma's work.
Congratulations, Dr Fazeli!
Anyone interested in freedom in Foucault, Fanon, Ali Shariati and/or Jalal Al-e Ahmad: you haven't heard the full story if you haven't read Alma's work.
The conference goes out with a bang! 💥
"Future directions in French Studies: global perspectives", with Maeve McCusker, Gemma King, @cforsdick.bsky.social and Mame-Fatou Niang . The importance of "le regard étranger" and of multilingualism.
"Future directions in French Studies: global perspectives", with Maeve McCusker, Gemma King, @cforsdick.bsky.social and Mame-Fatou Niang . The importance of "le regard étranger" and of multilingualism.
December 13, 2024 at 6:09 AM
The conference goes out with a bang! 💥
"Future directions in French Studies: global perspectives", with Maeve McCusker, Gemma King, @cforsdick.bsky.social and Mame-Fatou Niang . The importance of "le regard étranger" and of multilingualism.
"Future directions in French Studies: global perspectives", with Maeve McCusker, Gemma King, @cforsdick.bsky.social and Mame-Fatou Niang . The importance of "le regard étranger" and of multilingualism.
Heidi Bula of Melbourne Uni gives a fascinating paper on making sense of French ethnographic collections, referencing the also fascinating book by Arun Appadurai, The Social Life of Things #AuFrenchStudies www.amazon.com.au/Social-Life-...
December 13, 2024 at 2:29 AM
Heidi Bula of Melbourne Uni gives a fascinating paper on making sense of French ethnographic collections, referencing the also fascinating book by Arun Appadurai, The Social Life of Things #AuFrenchStudies www.amazon.com.au/Social-Life-...
Charlotte Mackay présente: "de la famille afrodescendante à la grande 'famille' de l'Atlantique noir", sur Léonora Miano. Allez MonashEuroLangs !
December 12, 2024 at 2:56 AM
Charlotte Mackay présente: "de la famille afrodescendante à la grande 'famille' de l'Atlantique noir", sur Léonora Miano. Allez MonashEuroLangs !