*** ADVANCE NOTICE: Friday/Saturday, 23/24 February 2001, University of
Melbourne ***
Spirit, Money & Modernity
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The planet is more homogenised and interconnected than ever before. Our
world is engulfed in a global economy dominated by a few corporations. At
the same time, it gives the appearance of multiplicity and fragmentation,
of individuality and cultural diversity.=20
This two-day seminar presented by Andy Blunden, Geoff Boucher and Anitra
Nelson will investigate this problem with readings of Hegel, Vygotsky and
Marx.
Cost $50 or $10 (concession) to register
The seminar will introduce notions of how human beings construct ideals,
and give these ideals material form (in institutions, money, laws etc.) to
constitute the organising principles of social life, and discuss notions of
objectivity, relativism and necessity in this context.
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There will be three major presentations, each session being followed by
group work with a tutor, discussing a relevant classic text, and a "Panel
Discussion" in the final half-day.
=B7 Geoff Boucher will challenge the dominant interpretation of Hegel in the
English-speaking world, which views Hegel as a metaphysics of cosmic
spirit. By arguing for a "non-metaphysical Hegel" Geoff will introduce some
of the central concepts of dialectics in a plausible way and offer a fresh
look at Hegel's philosophy.
=B7 Andy Blunden will present a synopsis of "Cultural Historical Activity
Theory", a current in Cognitive Psychology which arose from the Vygotsky
School in the USSR, outline the roots of this theory in Hegel, its
limitations and what it has to offer in understanding the social foundation
of ideals.
=B7 Anitra Nelson will present a outline of Marx's theory of money and its
role as an organising principle of modern society and alternatives to the
market principle.
=B7 The Panel discussion will be entitled "Non-Market Utopias" and will
highlight the practical and ethical aspects of dialectics, rather than
providing a forum for airing blue-prints for a future society.
--
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