Mark Fisher once wrote that it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism. As evidence of dramatic climate change mounts, film and TV are awash with endless dystopian futures, contributing to an air of fatalism and resignation. But philosophy has historically demanded that we think through and beyond the apparent inevitability of our ways of life. They direct us, like Kant says, to cultivate an enlarged mentality, mindful not just of others’ positions and needs, but of alternative ways of thinking and living. In this course, we’ll explore the ideas of leading contemporary and classic philosophers to address the issues of the Anthropocene. What can Kant tell us about the ethics of responsibility, stewardship and care? How might Spinoza, Hannah Arendt or Bertrand Russell help us re-evaluate automation, work and artificial intelligence? Focused each week on a given issue, this course will draw on the philosophical tradition in novel ways, taking philosophers out of their historical contexts to explore the challenges facing humanity today.
I am running this course at Mary Ward Centre in a couple of weeks which has sold out quickly. It’s based on my new book which I began researching this summer. We are thinking of running a second class if we can guarantee the numbers, so if you’d like to come and discuss the future (and past) of the world with us on Monday afternoons, send me an email without delay: dan.taylor@marywardcentre.ac.uk. It will run for twelve weeks on Mondays between 4pm-6pm, starting Monday 23rd September.
If you don’t know about Mary Ward already, it’s a wonderful place in Bloomsbury. Courses are very affordably priced to widen accessibility – this one will be £38 for concessions. I’ve been lucky enough to teach and learn from a wise, friendly and diverse set of philosophers my three years there. The discussions are always enriching and expanding.
Christian Kerslake is also running courses on Nietzsche, nihilism and transgression; anyone who has been to these before will know the unusual care and depth of thought put into these courses.
I’m also teaching at Goldsmiths, Lawrence London Centre and the IF Project next term, and will post again soon with some recent writings.
Dan Taylor 
Leave a Reply