Cosmic Humility: The Anthropocene and the Question of Unpredictability

Ali Benmakhlouf

February 26, 2026

UC San Diego

On February 26, as part of the James K. Binder Lectureship in Literature, Professor Ali Benmakhlouf will present a lecture on Cosmic Humility: The Anthropocene and the Question of Unpredictability.

The concept of “cosmic humility” emphasizes the unpredictability inherent in the evolution of living species and challenges the model of total control over life. Benmakhlouf will explore how structural ignorance and multiple vulnerabilities—such as biodiversity loss and the erosion of local knowledge—shape the Anthropocene era. The lecture will also address global health implications, including the spread of infectious diseases and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.