A workshop held on May 29th, 2010 at the 2010 Platypus International Convention at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Led by Pablo Ben.
An analysis of how sexuality as a sphere of modern life was formed due to the emergence of capitalism. Sexuality did not exist before the 18th century and it has emerged since then in several parts of the world following the expansion of global capitalism. The analyze follows through a new reading of Foucault from the point of view of Marcuseâs Eros and Civilization. This theoretical framework helps understand some new developments in the historiography of sexuality worldwide,specifically the world history of masturbation, prostitution, homosexuality, and romantic love.
A talk given by Platypus member Chris Cutrone at Loyola University, on April 21st, 2010.
The German Marxist critical theorist Theodor W. Adorno (1903-69) is known, along with his friend and mentor Walter Benjamin, for the critique of mid-20th century art and culture. What is less well understood is the specific character of Adorno's Marxism, how his political perspective related to his philosophical concerns. This workshop will address several aspects of Adorno's Marxism that relate to his critique of Leftist politics, in both periods of his early and late life, in the Old Left (1920s-40s) and New Left (1960s), and how Adorno remains relevant to issues and problems of Leftist politics today.
Recommended background readings:
Max Horkheimer, "The Little Man and the Philosophy of Freedom" (1926)
Adorno, "Imaginative Excesses" (1944)
Adorno, "Marginalia to Theory and Praxis" (1969)
Adorno, "Resignation" (1969)
Adorno and Herbert Marcuse, correspondence on the German New Left (1969)
Cosponsored by Pi Sigma Tau, STAND, and SAF.
Transcript in Platypus Review #37:
Held on July 28th, 2007, at the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago.
Presenting organizations include: Mess Hall, Platypus, Free Geek, Chicagoland/Calumet Underground Railroad Efforts, Bronzeville Historical Society, Chicago Women’s Health Center, The Odyssey Project, and more.
This event is part of the Stockyard Institute’s Pedagogical Factory exhibition at Hyde Park Art Center, AREA Chicago‘s lecture series for the upcoming “How We Learn” issue of their magazine, and Neighborhood Writing Alliance’s programs for the education issue of Journal of Ordinary Thought. This public forum was made possible in part by the Illinois Humanities Council.
A lecture by Platypus Affiliated Society member Chris Cutrone on the history of the Left between the 1930s and 1940s, given on August 26th, 2007. Part of the History of the Left lecture series held in the summer of 2007.
A lecture by Platypus Affiliated Society member Chris Cutrone on the history of the Left between 1905 to 1919, given on August 19th, 2007. Part of the History of the Left lecture series held in the summer of 2007.
