Philosophy Seminars - 21st Century Philosophy Problems
"The Pathology of Community"
Guest: Murat Erşen
Moderator: Emre Şan
The inquiry into whether human beings are inherently social beings and how individuals can coexist has long been a foundational matter within philosophy. Amidst a world of increasingly unifying globalization and ongoing pluralism, in a political climate marked by the rise of fascist tendencies and populism, and within a culture that prioritises narcissism and conspicuous consumption - the latter of which has gained new dimensions via social media - the topic of partnership has once again resurfaced as a central issue in the arena of political philosophy. The community will defend against internal violence by uniting against a common adversary. When no external threat exists, the community must address its internal divisions. Essentially, the 'immune system' attacks itself. However, this reaction is not sudden or unexpected, but rather it is a response to ongoing infection. In fact, there may be an underlying cause, such as an allergy. The notion of uniqueness, authenticity and purity (propre) is under threat. The seemingly untouched object or entity is in fact removed from being authentic, unique and pure (impropre). The seemingly untouched object or entity is in fact removed from being authentic, unique and pure (impropre). Therefore, it is crucial to examine what remains of the commonality and explore the shared aspects that hold society together. This entails creating a new ethical and political subject, envisioning a unifying form, and identifying the basis for being-together, which is essential for the emergence of an I that is separate from both us and non-us.
Murat Erşen studied philosophy at the Universities of Strasbourg Marc Bloch and Galatasaray, and left his PhD on "Communauté" at the University of Lyon III Jean Moulin before completing it. He has been working as a translator, editor and consultant in the publishing world for a long time. He has translated many books and articles from French and English into Turkish, especially in the field of philosophy. He took part in the establishment of Monokl Publishing House. He lectured on contemporary philosophy and modernity at Yıldız Technical University, Doğuş University and Istanbul University. He taught philosophy to children at a private college for two years. He gave seminars on topics such as partnership, emotions, society of the spectacle, transhumanism under the roof of various organisations. He is on the editorial board of the criticism magazine Punctum.
* The seminar will be held in Turkish. To attend this event, you can apply by using the "Register" button on the related seminar page and receive your event invitation via e-mail. Registrations will be available 1 week prior to the program date (07.12.2023, at 18:30) and the "Register" button will be activated then. Participation is limited to quota of 120 people.