Anotace
Given the historical events of the last decades and especially the last few years, the concept of catastrophe has made its way back into intellectual and philosophic discourse. One of the most influential philosophic approaches to the reality of the 21st century that is based on the concept of catastrophe is Nick Land’s accelerationism.
Influenced by Deleuze’s and Guattari’s critique of capitalism, Land analyzes modern society as an entity that follows irrational impulses and tends towards self-annihilation. Land’s idea of historical acceleration posits catastrophe as the end term of the development of capitalist social formations.
Since the catastrophe is inevitable, according to Land, the key is not to evade it but to accelerate its arrival. However, Land presents his conceptions in an unsystematic manner and works with philosophical sources and references freely, hence a critical approach to his writings is necessary.
The course will expound on the key aspects of Land’s conception of catastrophe and an emphasis will be put on a critical assessment of his interpretations of traditional philosophers such as Kant. In addition, connections will be sought between Land’s ideas and those of his colleagues and students such as Mark Fisher and Sadie Plant.
The course should result in a critical overview of Land’s philosophical production, as far as his conception of catastrophe goes.