Contemporary (Dis)Affections
A diagnosis of the present from the philosophy and history of emotions
Emotions are playing an increasingly important role in understanding the period of disorientation and uncertainty that contemporary societies are experiencing. Indeed, from the perspectives of philosophy, history, and cultural criticism, emotions have become a key area of interest for examining the most pressing challenges and problems of the present, as well as for articulating alternative visions of life and effective strategies for change. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for the theoretical and practical centrality of emotions lies in their dual nature: the affective world appears simultaneously as both cause and effect of numerous major cultural, economic, and political phenomena. Thus, straddling the rational and the irrational, the unconscious and the intentional, the active and the reactive, analyzing current events through the lens of emotions reveals itself as an essential and unavoidable task for achieving a complete and accurate diagnosis of the present.
In this course, we address a range of issues and challenges of particular relevance and social importance from the perspective of emotions. These range from recent political shifts to the latest debates surrounding social media, as well as transformations in the world of work and education, and the emergence of new ways of relating to others and the environment. All these trends will be examined through the lens of emotions such as shamelessness, loneliness, disappointment, anxiety, love, addiction, betrayal, and pleasure.
Program
- Date:
- 29.06.2026 - 02.07.2026
- Schedule:
- 10 to 14h
- Price:
- 32 € - € 124
- DIRECTED BY:
Edgar Cabanas
Coordination
José Giovanni Higuera Rubio