Annotation
This course introduces students to contemporary ontological thinking and to its main concepts and theoretical foundations. Students will not only gain an overview of contemporary ontology, but also an understanding of its background, methodology, the cultural and historical contexts of its origin, and its consequences in science, art and politics. Students should be able to orient themselves in present-day discussions in the field. The main goal for students is to be able to work with the concepts of contemporary ontology in other fields of philosophy and social sciences, including the philosophy of education.
Content:
● The controversy over the nature of being in contemporary ontology. Vitalist ontology (Deleuze), object ontology (Graham Harman), new materialism (De Landa,); speculative realism (Meillassoux); posthuman "non-philosophy" (Laruelle, Kolozová); the ontology of multiplicity and events (Badiou); real ontology (Žižek); insubstantial ontology (Bondy); evolutionary ontology (Šmajs). The historical situation of ontology (Adorno). Dividing lines in contemporary ontology: the role of the subject and boundaries. The problem of humanism and posthumanism.
● What does materialistic ontology mean? Critiques of Platonism, Aristotelianism, Soviet "dialectical materialism" and "anthropocentrism." Do basic ontological principles exist (idea, logos, matter)? Badiou and Žižek's idea that being is less than nothing. Heidegger's conception of things ("Un-ding") as a source of inspiration for materialistic ontology.
● Ontology, subject and truth in Badiou's thinking. Why doesn't philosophy create truths? The existence of truths outside philosophy (science, politics, art, love). Badiou's conception of the situation as a condition for the emergence of truth-events. Generic procedure and issues of social change. The intensity of the appearance of truth in many "worlds". The problem of sociological deficits in Badiou's ontology (the concepts of process, tendencies and anticipation). An introduction to Badiou's political philosophy, theory of art and philosophy of education.