Philosophy of Dialogue: Martin Buber's I and Thou
What might it mean to relate authentically with others in the world?
Where: Palio, 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR
(Note: If our group grows beyond our table at Palio, we may alter the venue)
When: Saturdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 2016
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
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, for instance, 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, how it might aid us in overcoming alienation brought on by objectifying practices so common in our culture, and apply it to the various relationships of our lives.
About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor 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!
Calendar:
Saturday, October 29th -- Part 1 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 5th -- Part 2 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 12th -- Part 3 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 19th -- 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: Participants can purchase Martin Buber's I and Thou online or at Powell's (look for an edition translated by Walter Kaufmann, Touchstone, 1970). For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance.
Cost: $100 (for four afternoon philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!
(Note: If our group grows beyond our table at Palio, we may alter the venue)
When: Saturdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 2016
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
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, for instance, 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, how it might aid us in overcoming alienation brought on by objectifying practices so common in our culture, and apply it to the various relationships of our lives.
About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor 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!
Calendar:
Saturday, October 29th -- Part 1 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 5th -- Part 2 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 12th -- Part 3 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 19th -- 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: Participants can purchase Martin Buber's I and Thou online or at Powell's (look for an edition translated by Walter Kaufmann, Touchstone, 1970). For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance.
Cost: $100 (for four afternoon philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
- The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- In case of cancellation due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund through PayPal.
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!
