Philosophy Research Seminar - Dr Alex Silk (Birmingham)
| Dates: | 3 March 2021 |
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| Times: | 15:15 - 16:50 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | School of Social Sciences |
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This year we are running all of our research seminars online using Zoom. If you would like to attend, and are not included on our events mailing list, please email Dr Stephen Ingram to request the Zoom meeting details.
Seminars will take place on Wednesdays, and will run from 15.15-16.50, with a 5 minute break between the talk and the Q&A. The Zoom meeting will be available to join from 15.00.
Title: Meaningless Suffering
Abstract: The title is snappy but misleading. The talk will actually be about Nietzsche's account of the problem of meaningless suffering and the function of ascetic ideals in addressing it. It’s common in work on the Genealogy to emphasize existential aspects of the problem. Such interpretations render Nietzsche’s assumptions about the extent of the problem of meaningless suffering and the acceptance of the ascetic ideal implausible. I suggest that Nietzsche’s 'problem of meaningless suffering' is, fundamentally, a physiological/psychological problem of lacking a sufficient outlet for attitudes that build up in response to suffering. The 'life-preserving' (GM III:13) role of ascetic ideals is that they provide such an outlet. Better understanding the physiology and psychology may illuminate healthier, more constructive responses.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
This event will run online - contact Stephen Ingram for details on accessing the Zoom meeting.
