Theory Sessions
Upcoming:
Dr. Edward John Matthews on his book:
'Heretical Materialism: An Archaeological Inquiry'
Friday, October 25th @ 3:30p.m.
Stevenson Hall Rm. 3165
Respondent: Christopher Austin
Abstract: Using the tenets of philosophical archaeology outlined by Michael Foucault, Georgio Agamben, and Alain de Libera, Heretical Materialism explores how early atomism is transformed, via a critical engagement with atheism and empiricism, into an embodied form of empirico-material thinking by the 18th century French Enlightenment thinkers La Mettrie, Helvétius, D’Holbach, and Diderot and then radicalized by Marx to identify a historical relationship between metaphysics, theology, and ideology. The view of the human mind acting within the realm of embodied realism not only presents a desacralized view of nature free of divine laws, but also lays the theoretical groundwork for a new understanding of corporeality that leads to modern notions of subjectivity and social interactions.
Bio: Edward J. Matthews teaches philosophy, writing, and communications in the School for Language and Liberal Studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada. He is also a part-time lecturer and instructor at the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism at 澳门六合彩开奖预测. His most recent publications include Arts & Politics of the Situationist International 1957-1972: Situating the Situationists (Lexington Books, 2021) and Guy Debord’s Politics of Communication: Liberating Language from Power (Lexington Books, 2023). He has also published book reviews in Extrapolation, (vol. 63, no. 3, 2022) and Heavy Feather Journal (February 16, 2024, and September 9, 2024). He is currently working on a new book entitled, Heretical Materialism: An Archaeological Inquiry, which is due out in Fall 2025.
Contact theorysessions@groups.uwo.ca for info.
Theory Sessions are a student-run tradition at the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism. It promotes interdisciplinary research across the campus, providing students and faculty with the opportunity to present their work and engage in lively discussions. We welcome all topics and enjoy presenting an eclectic range of scholarship. We have held sessions from scholars in a wide range of disciplines such as computer science, medical science, philosophy, English literature, women’s studies, sociology, political science, visual arts, art history, psychology, history, and more.
The presentations are 20 minutes long. Following the presentation, at least one designated respondent will initiate a discussion with the presenter. Anyone attending the session is welcome to join this discussion period. These will typically last 20-30 minutes.
Theory Sessions facilitates an academically rigorous environment to present cohesive and cogent thoughts on subjects that our speakers are genuinely passionate about. Our sessions aim to bring forward meaningful and productive discussions, and provide a rich opportunity to develop papers for publication, prepare for conferences, and develop performance art or presentation skills. We encourage you to have fun and experiment in our community of curious and caring thinkers.
Who can do Theory Sessions?
Students and faculty in the Theory Centre are given priority for sessions, however, we encourage scholars from other departments to send us your work. We will make every effort to accommodate as many sessions as possible.
If you are interested in presenting, please send an email with an abstract of approximately 200 words, and a brief 100 word bio to theorysessions@groups.uwo.ca. Your abstract and bio will be used to announce your session to the university community.
