21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers

About this course

The course examines how 21st-century continental philosophy addresses questions of identity, community, ideology, science, technology, politics and society. Topics include Alain Badiou’s concept of the Event, Jean-Luc Nancy’s The Inoperative Community, Slavoj Žižek’s account of ideology and Giorgio Agamben’s concept of the Apparatus. Teaching is organised around seminars, with opportunities to discuss and debate philosophical approaches. Short extracts are used in class and for preparation between sessions, allowing participants to compare these ideas with developments in 20th-century continental philosophy.

What you'll learn

• Evaluate the historical significance of key 21st-century philosophical concepts.
• Examine the approaches of Badiou, Žižek, Nancy and Agamben.
• Compare and distinguish between 20th- and 21st-century continental philosophies.
• Apply these philosophical perspectives when engaging with contemporary debates in politics, society, economics and technology.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners who have some familiarity with French continental philosophy. Its seminar format involves listening to and discussing ideas that may differ from one’s own, rather than focusing solely on tutor presentation.

• Some familiarity with French continental philosophy is envisaged.
• Participation involves discussion and debate in a seminar setting.

Before you go

• Short reading extracts are provided for use in class and at home, with no expectation that learners purchase the texts.
• Learners should bring paper and a pen for taking notes.