Topics in Critical Thought, 2020

Who do you think you are? 

In this series of online seminars, the OSE Associates are joined by Iain MacKenzie from Kent’s Centre for Critical Thought to discuss who we are today and who we may become tomorrow.

In our days of crises, many of us are seeking to examine and reflect on all aspects of our lives. During these seminars we will take a deep dive into the very idea of how we think about ourselves and think about the following:

  • Are we merely a useful environment for the reproduction of a virus? 
  • Are we simply slaves to an algorithm? 
  • Which identity is the one that defines you and why? 
  • Are these questions only you can answer or are they being answered for you by others in ways you don’t like? 
  • Are we the products of our past or are we defined by what we can become in the future? 
  • How do we change things to become something or someone that doesn’t simply repeat the problems of the past? 
  • Are we really just small destructive pieces in a complex environment that will, in the end, simply have no use for us humans as it sustains itself? 

The seminars will take place on Monday evenings, 6-8pm, between 14 September and 19 October. These sessions will be taking place online via Zoom and you will need to book your place for each session via Eventbrite (see sessions at the bottom of this page). When joining, please ensure that your mic is muted unless you are speaking. These sessions may be recorded for archival and promotional purposes, so please switch off your video feed if you do not wish to be included in this. Please join early to avoid delays (there may be a queue, the host will let you in to the session).

Once you have claimed a ticket you will be sent an email with a Zoom link and password. Please contact us at info@openschooleast.org if you do not receive this information.

Each seminar has a selection of materials (texts, videos etc.) available to help get conversations started. Please feel free to look through these if you are able but it is not a requirement. These materials and information on each session can be found along with booking links below. You do not need to attend every session to take part.

Sessions

Read more: What does it mean to be human?

, 6–8pm

What does it mean to be human?

  • Seminars
Read more: What makes us who we are?

, 6–8pm

What makes us who we are?

  • Seminars
Read more: Can we ‘let go’ of who we are?

, 6–8pm

Can we ‘let go’ of who we are?

  • Seminars
Read more: Who are we to say who we are?

, 6–8pm

Who are we to say who we are?

  • Seminars
Read more: What’s left of identity after domination?

, 6–8pm

What’s left of identity after domination?

  • Seminars
Read more: Can we change (the world)?

, 6–8pm

Can we change (the world)?

  • Seminars