Philosopher Queens: On Being a Philosopher in Practical Politics" a talk by Prof Beverly Clack 9 February 2016, Bull's Head. Barnes, 7.30pm - 9pm

Abstract:

In the Republic, Plato suggests that the best ruler for his ideal society would be a philosopher: or, as countless translations have put it, he advocates placing power in the hands of the ‘Philosopher King’. In this talk, I will be examining his claim in two ways: both draw upon my experience of being a philosopher of religion who was elected in May 2012 as a City Councillor in Oxford.  First, I will consider the effect of my philosophical training on the experience of being a practical politician, as well as the effect being a practical politician had on my philosophical interests. Second, I will consider the experience of being a woman in practical politics.

Updated schedule for the rest of Season 6

'Slavoj Zizek: the Elvis of Philosophy' a talk by Chris Bainbridge Tuesday 12 January 2016

Abstract:
"The Elvis of philosophers", "the Giant of Ljubljana", and "the thinker of choice for Europe's young intellectual vanguard" are just some of the descriptions of 66-year-old Slovenian-born philosopher Slavoj Zizek. "To witness Zizek in full flight is a dizzying and at times alarming experience, part philosophical tightrope walk, part performance-art marathon, part intellectual roller-coaster ride" (Sean O'Hagan, the Observer).

Zizek has published some 60 books in his lifetime, 6 in 2014 alone. You meet the same ideas and identical chunks of text in several of his works, but it's still a Stakhanovite feat. There is even an institute of Zizek studies.

He illustrates his points with an extremely wide range of cultural references, including Jane Austen, Alfred Hitchcock, Agatha Christie, G.K. Chesterton, Wagner, Eric Satie, and recent films such as  "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer" ( a lesser known aspect of the great US president's early career).

His great influences are Hegel, Marx, Christianity and the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. But does it all add up to a coherent philosophy? Some argue that beneath the firework displays of provocative jokes and unconventional use of language his thoughts are unoriginal and banal. Are they right? "

 

Our Next talk is by Philip Collins, 'How Does the Philosophy of Politics Connect to the Practice?' on 10 November at 7.30 pm

Abstract:
The idea of the good society is a staple of political philosophy on the Left. It has taken many forms but it may in fact be more of a hindrance in the practice of politics than most people on the Left acknowledge. As someone who has been a political philosopher and a practitioner there has always seemed to be very little relation between the two disciplines. But what is political philosophy for if not to inform the conduct of politics? It is, to be sure, about imagination, critique and legitimation too. But in the end the point, as Marx said, "is to change the world".

'Up Close and Personal: The Private Lives of Public Figures' a talk by Prof Sue Mendus, 13 October 2015

Abstract:

Up Close and Personal: The Private Lives of Public Figures

Over the years numerous public figures have had their careers damaged or even destroyed by revelations about their private lives: the Monica Lewinsky affair almost brought down President Clinton, Cecil Parkinson fell rapidly, and dramatically, from grace when his affair with Sarah Keays was made public and, most recently, Lord Sewel was forced to resign as deputy speaker for the House of Lords when his interest in prostitutes and orange bras was made public.

Revelations of this kind are often defended as being in the public interest, but do we (the people) really have an interest in knowing about the private lives of public figures? How much can we legitimately demand to know about them, and how much is (or should be) private? These are the questions I will address in this talk and I will take as my central example the case of Judge Clarence Thomas and Ms Anita Hill[1].

The talk will last about 30 minutes and I hope that there will be a lively discussion afterwards.  

Sue Mendus

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[1] I will give the broad outline of the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill affair during my talk but, for those who wish to look this up in advance, they are to be found here: https://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/122/hill/hillframe.htm