The philosophy seminars of the spring-summer semester will examine the concept of utopia with a focus on the work of Ernst Bloch.

Throughout the series, convened by Tom Vandeputte, we will read and discuss two of Bloch’s key works on utopia and the utopian impulse: The Spirit of Utopia (1918), written mostly in the midst of the First World War, and his major three-part study The Principle of Hope (1954-59). In our discussions we will address the philosophical, political and theological aspects of Bloch’s thought, which moves from medieval uprisings to the close reading fairytales, while placing his utopian thought in dialogue with his theoretical reflections on fascism. Over the course of the seminar series, Bloch’s work and the tradition it belongs to will be considered alongside other strands of radical and utopian thought, including more recent writings on the subject.

Seminar dates: Fridays February 21, March 14, April 11, May 16 (13.00-16.00)
Location: Critical Studies studios (Fedlev Building)

The seminars are open to all, but registration is necessary. To sign up and receive the readings, please email tom.vandeputte@sandberg.nl