Reading the Sensual in James Baldwin

In conversation with Michael Thomas

Join us for an engaging and interactive lecture hosted by the Amsterdam Philosophy Student Association, featuring Assistant Professor Michael Thomas from the University of Amsterdam. Together, we'll dive into a fascinating discussion on James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room, exploring the theme of 'the Sensual' in Baldwin's powerful narrative.

Date: 2 October 2024
Time: 15:00 -17:00
Location: BG 3
Room: VOX-POP, ground floor
Organised by: Michael Thomas

Michael will kick off the session with a brief introduction to the text, followed by a thought-provoking conversation moderated by Daniel Saric. Afterward, the floor will be open to your questions and reflections, making this a truly interactive experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into one of Baldwin’s most iconic works! Signing up is not necessary; you can walk in freely. We look forward to seeing you on October 2nd at VOX-POP!

About the Speaker:

Michael L. Thomas is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy in Critical Cultural Theory at the University of Amsterdam working in Social Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Race. He was formerly a Humboldt Foundation Research Fellow at the JFK Institute for North American Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin and Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Coordinator of Africana Studies at Susquehanna University. He has published work in Philosophy and Literature, Social Theory, the Philosophy of Race, and North American Studies.

Michael will talk about sensuality as it appears in Giovanni's Room: respecting and enjoying the power of life, life itself, and presence in everything you do. It is a form of knowledge and a way of life, characterised by openness to each other and to the complexity of our humanity. In his analysis of the sensual, lived reality (experience) meets the system of reality (sociological structures in which we live). Michael will also delve into how Baldwin evokes sensuality in Giovanni's room, and how he applies this to experiment on its effects on the individual and the system.

BG 3

Room VOX-POP, ground floor
Binnengasthuisstraat 9
1012 ZA Amsterdam

Reading the Sensual in James Baldwin

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