21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers
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- Start Date: 12 Jun 2025End Date: 31 Jul 2025Thu (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 8 sessions (over -8 weeks)Course Code: HP253Tutors: Daniel WeizmanFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00
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What is the course about?
The 21st century has marked a pivotal moment for continental philosophy, facing challenges with the loss of figures such as Jacques Derrida and Gilles Deleuze. Yet, it offers an opportunity for a new critical direction. Key thinkers like Giorgio Agamben and Alain Badiou are forging ahead in areas like technology, society, and politics. This course examines their impact, addressing vital 21st-century questions on identity, community, ideology, and science. By exploring major philosophical texts and contemporary issues, we aim to chart the course of philosophy as it seeks to reinvent itself and confront modern problems.
What will we cover?
The concept of the Event in Alain Badiou
Jean-Luc Nancy’s The Inoperative Community
Ideology in Slavoj Žižek
The concept of the Apparatus in Giorgio Agamben
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Evaluate the significance of these concepts in the context of philosophical history.
• Discuss and examine the philosophical approaches of Badiou, Žižek, Nancy, and Agamben.
• Draw comparisons and distinctions between 20th and 21st-century continental philosophies.
• Utilise the understandings you've gained to engage with contemporary debates in politics, society, economics, and technology.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for students who possess an appreciation and some familiarity with French continental philosophy.
In general, an open mind and willingness to listen to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will adopt a seminar style, offering students ample opportunity to discuss and debate. Short excerpts will be provided to read during class and at home in preparation for each session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students will be provided with short excerpts for reading at home each week in preparation for the following session. Texts will be supplied by tutor, and there will be no expectation to purchase them. Bring a paper and pen for taking notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses can be found in the Culture, history and humanities course area of City Lit's website.
Daniel holds a PhD from the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP), where he wrote his dissertation on the work of philosopher Gilles Deleuze. Daniel specializes in 20th and 21st century Continental Philosophy, particularly the works of Deleuze, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida. His teaching is defined by an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to critically engage with complex philosophical ideas and apply them to broader questions in politics, aesthetics, and cultural theory. Daniel strives to create an inclusive and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to think critically, directly engage with philosophical texts, and explore new possibilities for understanding the world.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
