The French philosopher and sociologist Geoffroy de Lagasnerie has written extensively about political powerlessness, the problem of adapting to undemocratic agendas, and ”depoliticized” literature. As a somewhat surprising counterbalance, he argues for… friendship. He raises the question of whether friendship in a broader sense could create a progressive practice. His theory defines friendship as a deep, probing communal bond that can serve as a space for liberation, creativity, and counterculture. Lagasnerie critiques the social norms of family, reproduction, and identity, proposing friendship instead as an alternative way of life and a community model. Regarding authors, and intellectuals, he questions whether they can have any political significance, given that they have become institutionalized and adapted to a market. It’s as if they are buried in a reality of their own, an “art for art’s sake” devoid of interest in the power dynamics of reality.
In a conversation with Nicolas Manuguerra, he will elaborate on his views.
Nicolas Manuguerra holds a PhD in French literature and is based at Uppsala University. He currently works as a Senior Lecturer in Language Education, with a focus on modern languages.
Date and time: Saturday March 21, 13.45–14:30
Place: Uppsala City Library, Free Admission!
Language: English