Philosophy of Dialogue
What might it mean to relate authentically with others in the world?
What: A Curious Soul Philosophy workshop
Where: Online via Zoom
When: 4 Saturdays, new dates TBA
What Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Workshop Description:
What is a human being? A rational animal? A thinking thing? An autonomous individual? No. A human being, says Martin Buber, is the being who faces an “other.”
We do not understand ourselves when we try to define the human being in terms of some substance, in terms of some fixed essence, or as a being fundamentally separated from the rest of the world. We understand ourselves when we consider the ways in which we relate to other beings.
Buber says: “In the beginning is the relation.” Our modes of relating with others define our own mode of being; they shape who we are and how we live. We might approach the other as an “It” — a thing to examine, to categorize, to analyze, to predict, and to use. Such an approach has a profound affect on who we become, or who the “I” is in this “I-It” kind of experience. In such an experience we become distanced observers, self-enclosed, and solitary; we stand back and do not participate. Our mode of communication is monologue. On the other hand, we might relate to the other as a “You,” and enter into an encounter of mutual participation and reciprocity in which our whole selves, not just certain fragmented qualities, are acknowledged and affirmed. In this case, our mode of communication is dialogue.
In this workshop we will work through what the dialogical “I-Thou” relationship really is and how it might aid us in overcoming alienation brought on by objectifying practices so common in our culture. We’ll also work to apply it to the relationships of our lives.
About Philosophy Workshops
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
About Your Workshop Leader:
Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D. is a former professor of philosophy and the founder of Curious Soul Philosophy. She’s committed to the practical value of philosophy for everyday life, and she’s always looking for ways to move philosophy beyond academic settings and into the community. She does this by offering workshops, retreats, and individual philosophical counseling through Curious Soul.
The Theory and the Lab:
There are two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab.
In the Theory portion of the workshop (the first half of each session) we’ll work to understand key concepts from our reading for the day and from supplementary mini-lectures given by the workshop leader. In the Lab portion of the workshop (the second half) we will reflect on the ways in which the theory applies to our own personal and political struggles. We will devise “experiments” for putting key concepts into practice in our lives, and we will discuss with each other how our experiments work out.
Book to Purchase: Martin Buber’s I and Thou (look for an edition translated by Walter Kaufmann, Touchstone, 1970)
Calendar:
Week One: I and Thou, Part 1
Week Two: I and Thou, Part 2
Week Three: I and Thou, Part 3
Week Four: Applications of I and Thou: How might I and Thou apply to the relationships of our lives (e.g., student- teacher, parent-child, health care provider-patient relationships, or in our capacities as family-members, citizens, and cosmopolitans)?
Preparation:
For each meeting, participants should read in advance the selection of text we’ll be discussing, consider some questions Monica will send by email to help us focus, and come with some marked passages to talk about.
Cost per person: $200 (for four 2-hour philosophy sessions)
- The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- Deadline to register: TBA
- Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, PayPal still allows you to pay using a credit card.
Registration is now closed.