The New SPACE
(The New School for Pluralistic Anti-Capitalist Education)
(The New School for Pluralistic Anti-Capitalist Education)
Fall 2006 Courses
FIGHTING SUPPRESSION OF DISSENT: ANOTHER LEFT IS POSSIBLE
Andrea Fishman, Joshua Howard, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman
and Seth G. Weiss (the New SPACE Organizing Committee)
4 Sessions: Alternate Thursdays, 7:00 9:00 p.m, Nov. 2 Dec. 14.
Andrea Fishman, Joshua Howard, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman
and Seth G. Weiss (the New SPACE Organizing Committee)
4 Sessions: Alternate Thursdays, 7:00 9:00 p.m, Nov. 2 Dec. 14.
REASON IN HISTORY:
HEGEL AND MARX REPLY TO THEIR POST-RATIONAL CRITICS
Alex Steinberg
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 7:30 9:00 p.m. Oct. 24 Dec. 12
HEGEL AND MARX REPLY TO THEIR POST-RATIONAL CRITICS
Alex Steinberg
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 7:30 9:00 p.m. Oct. 24 Dec. 12
PREFIGURATIVE POLITICS:
WORKERS SELF-MANAGEMENT FROM ARGENTINA TO THE BALKANS
Andrej Grubacic and Marina Sitrin
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 Dec. 12
WORKERS SELF-MANAGEMENT FROM ARGENTINA TO THE BALKANS
Andrej Grubacic and Marina Sitrin
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 Dec. 12
See course descriptions below. Please see the New SPACE website for
additional information on courses and registration.
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additional information on courses and registration.
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Fall 2006 Talks
FOUCAULT AND THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION
A Talk by Kevin B. Anderson
Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $7 - $10
A Talk by Kevin B. Anderson
Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $7 - $10
Please see the New SPACE website for more upcoming talks.
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REASON IN HISTORY:
HEGEL AND MARX REPLY TO THEIR POST-RATIONAL CRITICS
HEGEL AND MARX REPLY TO THEIR POST-RATIONAL CRITICS
Alex Steinberg
8 Sessions: Tuesdays: 7:30 9:00 p.m. Oct. 24 Dec. 12
Tuition: $90 $115, sliding scale
8 Sessions: Tuesdays: 7:30 9:00 p.m. Oct. 24 Dec. 12
Tuition: $90 $115, sliding scale
Hegel famously said that "Reason rules the world." Was this little
more than an _expression_ of Eurocentric imperialism, racism and
patriarchy?
more than an _expression_ of Eurocentric imperialism, racism and
patriarchy?
Marx turned Hegel's equation upside down but maintained an optimism
about human rationality when he said: "The coincidence of the
changing of circumstances and of human activity can be conceived and
rationally understood only as revolutionary practice."
about human rationality when he said: "The coincidence of the
changing of circumstances and of human activity can be conceived and
rationally understood only as revolutionary practice."
The horrors of the 20th century have witnessed a great disenchantment
towards such optimistic sentiments. Adorno began the turn away
from "reason in history" when he said that, "After Auschwitz, poetry
was no longer possible." Others like the postmodernist Lyotard have
said that History, either as a rationally comprehensible entity, or
as a guide to action, is no longer possible.
towards such optimistic sentiments. Adorno began the turn away
from "reason in history" when he said that, "After Auschwitz, poetry
was no longer possible." Others like the postmodernist Lyotard have
said that History, either as a rationally comprehensible entity, or
as a guide to action, is no longer possible.
While there has been much criticism of the "meta-narratives" of Hegel
and Marx in recent years, there has been scant attention paid to just
what those "meta-narratives" are. Instead, a superficial caricature
of the ideas of Hegel and Marx has become a convenient punching-bag
in these discussions.
and Marx in recent years, there has been scant attention paid to just
what those "meta-narratives" are. Instead, a superficial caricature
of the ideas of Hegel and Marx has become a convenient punching-bag
in these discussions.
Was Marx stuck in the outmoded conceit of a "totalizing meta-
narrative," one that obliterates Difference and the Other? Or is
there something of lasting value in the heritage of the radical wing
of the Enlightenment for those committed to fundamental change? Does
human history have a goal? Is progress a discernable phenomenon in
history (or is this just another illusion bequeathed to us by the
Enlightenment)?
narrative," one that obliterates Difference and the Other? Or is
there something of lasting value in the heritage of the radical wing
of the Enlightenment for those committed to fundamental change? Does
human history have a goal? Is progress a discernable phenomenon in
history (or is this just another illusion bequeathed to us by the
Enlightenment)?
We will examine these questions as we read Hegel's most famous single
work, his Introduction to the "Philosophy of History." We will then
read selections from Marx to see how he both overturns and preserves
the core of Hegel's idea of Reason in history as a practical guide to
human emancipation.
work, his Introduction to the "Philosophy of History." We will then
read selections from Marx to see how he both overturns and preserves
the core of Hegel's idea of Reason in history as a practical guide to
human emancipation.
Finally, we will reconstruct the replies that Hegel and Marx might
have made to some key essays of the contemporary post-rational
critics -- Lyotard, Foucault, Baudrillard, Mouffe and Laclau.
have made to some key essays of the contemporary post-rational
critics -- Lyotard, Foucault, Baudrillard, Mouffe and Laclau.
Alex Steinberg taught a course on _Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit_
last fall at the New SPACE. He is facilitator of a philosophy and
literature discussion group in Brooklyn and author of several essays,
including "The Case of Martin Heidegger." He has also served as a
member of the WBAI Local Station Board (2004) and as Chairperson of
the WBAI LSB Programming Committee.
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last fall at the New SPACE. He is facilitator of a philosophy and
literature discussion group in Brooklyn and author of several essays,
including "The Case of Martin Heidegger." He has also served as a
member of the WBAI Local Station Board (2004) and as Chairperson of
the WBAI LSB Programming Committee.
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PREFIGURATIVE POLITICS:
WORKERS SELF-MANAGEMENT FROM ARGENTINA TO THE BALKANS
WORKERS SELF-MANAGEMENT FROM ARGENTINA TO THE BALKANS
Andrej Grubacic and Marina Sitrin
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 Dec. 12
Tuition: $90 $115, Sliding scale
8 Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 Dec. 12
Tuition: $90 $115, Sliding scale
We will explore prefigurative politics through the lens of
contemporary and historical experiments in workers self-management.
Prefigurative politics, the weaving of the present with the future,
will be discussed as a part of the anarchist tradition and grounded
in various movements that are explicitly or implicitly anarchist.
contemporary and historical experiments in workers self-management.
Prefigurative politics, the weaving of the present with the future,
will be discussed as a part of the anarchist tradition and grounded
in various movements that are explicitly or implicitly anarchist.
We will look at experiences in Spain in the 1930s and the system of
self-management in the former Yugoslavia. We will, also, examine the
contemporary experiences of recuperated workplaces in Argentina and
some of its unemployed workers movements, such as Solano and Allen.
We may address current formations in Venezuela, linked to this
history while also distinguished from it.
self-management in the former Yugoslavia. We will, also, examine the
contemporary experiences of recuperated workplaces in Argentina and
some of its unemployed workers movements, such as Solano and Allen.
We may address current formations in Venezuela, linked to this
history while also distinguished from it.
Michael Albert and Robin Hanel's work on participatory economics will
be examined, as well, in our exploration of self-management and
prefigurative politics.
be examined, as well, in our exploration of self-management and
prefigurative politics.
Andrej Grubacic has specific experience living self-management in
Yugoslavia. Andrej, a historian and social critic, works with the
Planetary Alternatives Network, Z Communications and Peoples Global
Action. As a result of his political activism, Andrej was forced to
leave the University of Belgrade and move to SUNY Binghamton.
Yugoslavia. Andrej, a historian and social critic, works with the
Planetary Alternatives Network, Z Communications and Peoples Global
Action. As a result of his political activism, Andrej was forced to
leave the University of Belgrade and move to SUNY Binghamton.
Marina Sitrin is an anti-authoritarian activist, writer, teacher and
dreamer. Marina has spent time in Argentina working with the
autonomous social movements and compiling an oral history,
_Horizontalidad: Voices of Popular Power in Argentina_.
dreamer. Marina has spent time in Argentina working with the
autonomous social movements and compiling an oral history,
_Horizontalidad: Voices of Popular Power in Argentina_.
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FIGHTING SUPPRESSION OF DISSENT: ANOTHER LEFT IS POSSIBLE
Facilitators: Andrea Fishman, Joshua Howard, Anne Jaclard, Andrew
Kliman, and Seth G. Weiss (the New SPACE Organizing Committee)
4 Sessions: Alternate Thursdays, 7:00 9:00 p.m, Nov. 2 Dec. 14.
Tuition: $45 $60, sliding scale
Kliman, and Seth G. Weiss (the New SPACE Organizing Committee)
4 Sessions: Alternate Thursdays, 7:00 9:00 p.m, Nov. 2 Dec. 14.
Tuition: $45 $60, sliding scale
"[T]he most important effect of suppression is not on the dissident
but on others who observe the process. Every case of suppression is a
warning to potential critics not to buck the system. And every case
in which suppression is vigorously opposed is a warning to vested
interests that attacks will not be tolerated." Brian Martin
but on others who observe the process. Every case of suppression is a
warning to potential critics not to buck the system. And every case
in which suppression is vigorously opposed is a warning to vested
interests that attacks will not be tolerated." Brian Martin
This four-session workshop will provide tools for recognizing,
understanding, dealing with, and combating suppression of dissent,
and it will serve as a support group for victims of suppression.
understanding, dealing with, and combating suppression of dissent,
and it will serve as a support group for victims of suppression.
Drawing on New SPACE organizers' extensive experiences during the
last several years, we will often focus on suppression of dissent
within the Left. Yet suppression of dissent on the Left generally
takes the same forms and has the same dynamics and motivations as
suppression of dissent elsewhere. Thus, everyone who has been a
victim of suppression and/or who wants to fight suppression anywhere
in society is encouraged to participate in the workshop. It will be
of value to you as well, and your own experiences and thoughts will
be most relevant and welcome. (Proponents of suppressive practices
are also invited to come and argue with us!)
last several years, we will often focus on suppression of dissent
within the Left. Yet suppression of dissent on the Left generally
takes the same forms and has the same dynamics and motivations as
suppression of dissent elsewhere. Thus, everyone who has been a
victim of suppression and/or who wants to fight suppression anywhere
in society is encouraged to participate in the workshop. It will be
of value to you as well, and your own experiences and thoughts will
be most relevant and welcome. (Proponents of suppressive practices
are also invited to come and argue with us!)
The basic premise of the workshop is that "diversity" is not enough.
New, liberatory ideas and ways of life develop through the engagement
of opposing ideas and perspectives, and cannot develop without this.
It is necessary to encourage, protect, and engage with dissident
voices within our own groups and communities, and to fight
suppression of dissent. It is also vital that, in order to help show
that "another world is possible," we begin to prefigure this other
world by fighting suppression of dissent within the forums,
publications, e-mail lists, and other institutions of the Left
itself.
New, liberatory ideas and ways of life develop through the engagement
of opposing ideas and perspectives, and cannot develop without this.
It is necessary to encourage, protect, and engage with dissident
voices within our own groups and communities, and to fight
suppression of dissent. It is also vital that, in order to help show
that "another world is possible," we begin to prefigure this other
world by fighting suppression of dissent within the forums,
publications, e-mail lists, and other institutions of the Left
itself.
Recognition that suppression of dissent is quite prevalent on the
Left is a crucial component of the workshop. Leftists tend to view
themselves as victims, but not also perpetrators, of suppression. As
we will discuss, however, the Left frequently internalizes and
reproduces within its institutions the suppressive practices, and the
authoritarian attitudes that foster these practices, that prevail
elsewhere in this society. The main classes of suppression
identified by Brian Martin, an important anti-suppression activist
and anarchist thinker "direct suppression" (attempts to stop or
penalize dissidents), "indirect suppression" (ignoring dissidents,
denying them access to resources and opportunities, etc.), and "self-
censorship" (in order to avoid ostracism, harassment, rumormongering,
etc.) are all very common within Left groups and institutions.
Left is a crucial component of the workshop. Leftists tend to view
themselves as victims, but not also perpetrators, of suppression. As
we will discuss, however, the Left frequently internalizes and
reproduces within its institutions the suppressive practices, and the
authoritarian attitudes that foster these practices, that prevail
elsewhere in this society. The main classes of suppression
identified by Brian Martin, an important anti-suppression activist
and anarchist thinker "direct suppression" (attempts to stop or
penalize dissidents), "indirect suppression" (ignoring dissidents,
denying them access to resources and opportunities, etc.), and "self-
censorship" (in order to avoid ostracism, harassment, rumormongering,
etc.) are all very common within Left groups and institutions.
Of course, these groups and institutions currently lack the power to
deprive their internal dissidents of freedom of _expression_ and
movement elsewhere in society i.e., if they go away. Thus, as we
shall discuss, a key objective of the suppressive practices employed
within the Left is precisely to force or "encourage" dissidents to go
away. Internal democracy, protection of internal dissent, and
internal means to challenge those who wield power, which are needed
in order to ensure engagement of opposing ideas and perspectives, are
frequently absent.
deprive their internal dissidents of freedom of _expression_ and
movement elsewhere in society i.e., if they go away. Thus, as we
shall discuss, a key objective of the suppressive practices employed
within the Left is precisely to force or "encourage" dissidents to go
away. Internal democracy, protection of internal dissent, and
internal means to challenge those who wield power, which are needed
in order to ensure engagement of opposing ideas and perspectives, are
frequently absent.
Countering attempts to justify this exclusionary behavior is another
crucial feature of the workshop. For instance, we will examine the
argument that people should be able to associate with whom they
want. We will argue that exclusionary behavior toward dissidents is
in fact a new form of enclosure, a monopolization of scarce social
resources. Denying or limiting dissidents' access to these resources
is very different from associating only with those you want. We will
also argue against monopolization of scarce social resources on the
ground of the "right" to private property, and we will show how
the "freedom of association" gambit has historically been used to
justify racial discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
crucial feature of the workshop. For instance, we will examine the
argument that people should be able to associate with whom they
want. We will argue that exclusionary behavior toward dissidents is
in fact a new form of enclosure, a monopolization of scarce social
resources. Denying or limiting dissidents' access to these resources
is very different from associating only with those you want. We will
also argue against monopolization of scarce social resources on the
ground of the "right" to private property, and we will show how
the "freedom of association" gambit has historically been used to
justify racial discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
Recognizing and dealing with the "blaming the dissident" tactic is a
third crucial component of the workshop. On the Left, and in
general, suppression is almost never admitted to. Instead, the
suppressors and their apologists try to justify their actions against
dissidents by blaming the dissidents' performance, personality
characteristics, methods ("you're going about this the wrong way"),
motives, etc. We will discuss Brian Martin's "double standard test"
and how to apply it in order to expose the hypocrisy and illegitimacy
of the "blaming the dissident" tactic. We will also discuss its
authoritarian character, noting that, when dissidents are blamed and
actions are taken against them, they are frequently deprived of the
right to confront their accusers, to refute charges against them, to
an impartial hearing, and other democratic rights.
third crucial component of the workshop. On the Left, and in
general, suppression is almost never admitted to. Instead, the
suppressors and their apologists try to justify their actions against
dissidents by blaming the dissidents' performance, personality
characteristics, methods ("you're going about this the wrong way"),
motives, etc. We will discuss Brian Martin's "double standard test"
and how to apply it in order to expose the hypocrisy and illegitimacy
of the "blaming the dissident" tactic. We will also discuss its
authoritarian character, noting that, when dissidents are blamed and
actions are taken against them, they are frequently deprived of the
right to confront their accusers, to refute charges against them, to
an impartial hearing, and other democratic rights.
Most of the readings for the workshop will be taken from Brian
Martin's invaluable "Suppression of Dissent" website,
www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/dissent, available free of charge.
For the first session, participants should have read and be prepared
to discuss "Suppression of dissent: what it is and what to do about
it" (www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/dissent/intro/DNAleaflet.html).
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Martin's invaluable "Suppression of Dissent" website,
www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/dissent, available free of charge.
For the first session, participants should have read and be prepared
to discuss "Suppression of dissent: what it is and what to do about
it" (www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/dissent/intro/DNAleaflet.html).
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The New SPACE teachers, speakers, and organizers include:
Stanley Aronowitz, Erika Biddle, Roz Bologh,Jack Z. Bratich, Stephen
Eric Bronner, Crystal DeBoise, Andrea Fishman, Jeannette Gabriel,
Loren Goldner, David Graeber, Andrej Grubacic, Robin Hahnel, Jesse
Heiwa, Charles Herr, Joshua Howard, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman,
Louis Kontos, Joel Kovel, Eric Laursen, Houzan Mahmoud, Len Mell,
Alan W. Moore, Bertell Ollman, Howard Seligman, Stevphen Shukaitis,
Marina Sitrin, Tom Smith, Alex Steinberg, Bill Weinberg, Seth G. Weiss
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Stanley Aronowitz, Erika Biddle, Roz Bologh,Jack Z. Bratich, Stephen
Eric Bronner, Crystal DeBoise, Andrea Fishman, Jeannette Gabriel,
Loren Goldner, David Graeber, Andrej Grubacic, Robin Hahnel, Jesse
Heiwa, Charles Herr, Joshua Howard, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman,
Louis Kontos, Joel Kovel, Eric Laursen, Houzan Mahmoud, Len Mell,
Alan W. Moore, Bertell Ollman, Howard Seligman, Stevphen Shukaitis,
Marina Sitrin, Tom Smith, Alex Steinberg, Bill Weinberg, Seth G. Weiss
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New SPACE classes and talks meet at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural
& Educational Center: 107 Suffolk Street, NYC (located between
Rivington and Delancey Streets). F train to the Delancey Street
station or J, M, Z to Essex Street station. See the New SPACE website
for a map.
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& Educational Center: 107 Suffolk Street, NYC (located between
Rivington and Delancey Streets). F train to the Delancey Street
station or J, M, Z to Essex Street station. See the New SPACE website
for a map.
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The New SPACE
(The New School for Pluralistic Anti-Capitalist Education)
http://new-space.mahost.org
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: 1 (800) 377-6183
(The New School for Pluralistic Anti-Capitalist Education)
http://new-space.mahost.org
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: 1 (800) 377-6183
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