brian rappert

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Telephone: +44 (0)1392 723353

Room: 318A Amory (A)

My long-term concern lies with the social and ethical dilemmas associated with expertise.  In particular, I have been concerned with the negotiated management of information in areas of public controversy.  Much of my work in past years examined how the responsible stewardship of the life sciences can avoid civilian research being used to intentionally spread disease. I have also examined and participated in attempts to enhance the humanitarian restrictions governing the conduct of war.

Because much of my research took place in security and diplomatic communities where questions of disclosure and concealment loom large, I have reflected on the methodological issues associated with investigating and writing about secrecy.  This, in turn, has led to attention to silences and absences: how some issues do not get considered, how some concerns go unsaid, what grievances never get formed, what paths in social and political life are never pursued, etc.  Most recently, my interest in secrecy has developed into an attempt to understand the notion of revelation.  As part of this, I am undertaking a multi-year study learning entertainment magic.