Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as...
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‘All my knowledge of the world, even my scientific knowledge, is gained from my own particular point of view, or from some experience of the world without which the symbols of science would be meaningless. The whole universe of science is built upon the world as directly experienced, and if we want to subject science itself to rigorous scrutiny and arrive at a precise assessment of its meaning and scope, we must begin by reawakening the basic experience of the world, of which science is the second-order expression.... To return to things themselves is to return to that world which precedes knowledge, of which knowledge always speaks, and in relation to which every scientific schematization is an abstract and derivative sign-language, as is geography in relation to the countryside in which we have learnt beforehand what a forest, a prairie or a river is’.
Merleau Ponty – Phenomenology of Perception
Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.
What will we cover?
Structuralism and the Critique of the Subject
Heidegger’s Critique of Descartes
Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Embodiment:
The Flesh of the World and the primacy of perceptiop
Language, Expression, and Cultural Creation
Subjectivity and Intersubjectivity
The Poetics of Space - Bachelard’s Phenomenlogy as an adjunct to Merleau Ponty.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understanding of the some of the -key debates in Culture theory and how Merleau -Ponty’s ideas connects with them.
Confidence to move on to further studies in aesthetics, cultural theory, and philosophy in general.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for learners who are interested in both literature and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and literary analysis. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
For those of you who want an indirect but vivid introduction to Phenomenology and many other issues in cultural theory please read the Spell of the Sensuous by David Abrams. Very easily available second hand on the net.
Taylor Carman's Merleau Ponty provides a good introduction.
The entry on Merleau Ponty in the Stanford Encylopedia on the net will give you a good overview.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Visit www.citylit.ac.uk for the full range of philosophy courses on offer.
Barrie Selwyn is a regular tutor at City Lit. Formerly the Principal of Kingston Adult Education, he is the lead tutor for the School of Ideas at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College. Educated at Hackney Downs School, Sussex University and University of London, he is a highly respected adult educationalist specializing in philosophy and literature. Barrie is the Chair of the Kingston Philosophy Café, which he helped to set up in 2007. He is a regular speaker around London philosophy venues, talking on topics such as Nietzsche and the Frankfurt School, Kant and post-Kantian Idealism and Richard Rorty and post-analytic philosophy. He is also an alto saxophonist and a keen jazz fan.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/history-culture-and-writing/philosophy-and-cultural-theory174085Philosophy and cultural theoryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1762433779/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg309309GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge. We will look the philosophical underpinnings of culture through the writings of key philosophers who engage critically with the self images of the post enlightenment era. In particular we will look at ideology, language and art in the context of cultural reproduction.452815818Philosophy and cultural theory309309https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP130309309Philosophy and cultural theory247201309Barrie Selwynphilosophy-and-cultural-theory/hp130-2526Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.0000-Available|2026-04-24 00:00:00‘All my knowledge of the world, even my scientific knowledge, is gained from my own particular point of view, or from some experience of the world without which the symbols of science would be meaningless. The whole universe of science is built upon the world as directly experienced, and if we want to subject science itself to rigorous scrutiny and arrive at a precise assessment of its meaning and scope, we must begin by reawakening the basic experience of the world, of which science is the second-order expression.... To return to things themselves is to return to that world which precedes knowledge, of which knowledge always speaks, and in relation to which every scientific schematization is an abstract and derivative sign-language, as is geography in relation to the countryside in which we have learnt beforehand what a forest, a prairie or a river is’.<br/><br/>Merleau Ponty – Phenomenology of Perception<br/><br/>Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.Structuralism and the Critique of the Subject<br/><br/>Heidegger’s Critique of Descartes<br/><br/>Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Embodiment:<br/><br/>The Flesh of the World and the primacy of perceptiop<br/><br/>Language, Expression, and Cultural Creation<br/><br/>Subjectivity and Intersubjectivity<br/><br/>The Poetics of Space - Bachelard’s Phenomenlogy as an adjunct to Merleau Ponty.Understanding of the some of the -key debates in Culture theory and how Merleau -Ponty’s ideas connects with them.<br/><br/>Confidence to move on to further studies in aesthetics, cultural theory, and philosophy in general.This course is designed for learners who are interested in both literature and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and literary analysis. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.For those of you who want an indirect but vivid introduction to Phenomenology and many other issues in cultural theory please read the Spell of the Sensuous by David Abrams. Very easily available second hand on the net.<br/><br/>Taylor Carman's Merleau Ponty provides a good introduction.<br/><br/>The entry on Merleau Ponty in the Stanford Encylopedia on the net will give you a good overview.Visit www.citylit.ac.uk for the full range of philosophy courses on offer.Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual247309201HP130NONEFri24/04/26 - 10/07/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:4512 sessions (over 12 weeks)1211 weeks or longerDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBarrie SelwynBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities309309Philosophy and cultural theoryphilosophy-and-cultural-theory/hp130-2526Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.0000-Available|2026-04-24 00:00:00‘All my knowledge of the world, even my scientific knowledge, is gained from my own particular point of view, or from some experience of the world without which the symbols of science would be meaningless. The whole universe of science is built upon the world as directly experienced, and if we want to subject science itself to rigorous scrutiny and arrive at a precise assessment of its meaning and scope, we must begin by reawakening the basic experience of the world, of which science is the second-order expression.... To return to things themselves is to return to that world which precedes knowledge, of which knowledge always speaks, and in relation to which every scientific schematization is an abstract and derivative sign-language, as is geography in relation to the countryside in which we have learnt beforehand what a forest, a prairie or a river is’.<br/><br/>Merleau Ponty – Phenomenology of Perception<br/><br/>Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.Merleau Ponty’s concept of embodied subjectivity continues to shape our views in cultural theory and theories of knowledge in general. We will explore his ideas and their applications as well as the general context from which they emerge.Structuralism and the Critique of the Subject<br/><br/>Heidegger’s Critique of Descartes<br/><br/>Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Embodiment:<br/><br/>The Flesh of the World and the primacy of perceptiop<br/><br/>Language, Expression, and Cultural Creation<br/><br/>Subjectivity and Intersubjectivity<br/><br/>The Poetics of Space - Bachelard’s Phenomenlogy as an adjunct to Merleau Ponty.Understanding of the some of the -key debates in Culture theory and how Merleau -Ponty’s ideas connects with them.<br/><br/>Confidence to move on to further studies in aesthetics, cultural theory, and philosophy in general.This course is designed for learners who are interested in both literature and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and literary analysis. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.For those of you who want an indirect but vivid introduction to Phenomenology and many other issues in cultural theory please read the Spell of the Sensuous by David Abrams. Very easily available second hand on the net.<br/><br/>Taylor Carman's Merleau Ponty provides a good introduction.<br/><br/>The entry on Merleau Ponty in the Stanford Encylopedia on the net will give you a good overview.Visit www.citylit.ac.uk for the full range of philosophy courses on offer.Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
