Political Art and the Public Sphere series to screen and discuss "Examined Life" film

WHAT: The Political Art and the Public Sphere (PAPS) series at the University of Illinois Springfield presents a screening and discussion of the film Examined Life by filmmaker Astra Taylor.

WHEN: Monday, October 28, 2013 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium on the lower level of Brookens Library at UIS

DETAILS: Examined Life brings philosophy back to the streets. Filmmaker Astra Taylor accompanies some of today’s most influential thinkers on a series of excursions through places and spaces that hold particular resonance for them and their ideas. Peter Singer’s thoughts on the ethics of consumption are amplified against the backdrop of Fifth Avenue’s post boutiques. Michael Hardt ponders the nature of revolution while surrounded by symbols of wealth and leisure. Judith Butler strolls through San Francisco’s Mission District questioning our culture’s fixation on individualism. While driving through Manhattan, Cornel West compares philosophy to jazz and blues, reminding us how invigorating a life of the mind can be. Examined Life reveals philosophy’s power to transform the way we understand the world and our place within it.

The PAPS series is a monthly event on the UIS campus hosted by Dr. Richard Gilman-Opalsky, associate professor of Political Philosophy.

The theme of the Fall 2013 PAPS series is “Theory in the World”. The series is dedicated to discussions of social and political questions relating to theory and praxis, that is, to the role of thinking in dealing with real problems of economic crisis, war, democracy, and ecology. The Fall 2013 series explores the importance of philosophy for human action in the world. PAPS events are included in the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Gilman-Opalsky at 217/206-8328 or email rgilm3@uis.edu.