Leisure as an antidote for existential boredom
In this talk, Kevin Gary will discuss genuine leisure, classically understood, as a promising antidote to existential boredom - a middle way between what the philosopher Kierkegaard defines as the despair of necessity and the despair of possibility.
Leisure as an antidote for existential boredom
27 Oct 2021, 17:30 – 19:00
To join the talk, please contact the organiser, Alison Brady.
Contrary to popular usage, leisure is far from a negative absence of effort: genuine leisure is an art that requires discipline, vigilance, and practice.
Drawing from David Foster Wallace, Professor Gary examines the dynamics of contemporary so-called leisure. He then turns to a classical conception of leisure, tracing a line from Aristotle to Simone Weil and Josef Pieper. The classical tradition cultivates leisure practices that protect against boredom and despair.
This event will be particularly useful for those interested in Philosophy of Education, Kierkegaard, leisure and education.
Related links
- Tweet with #philofed
- Department of Education, Practice and Society
- Philosophy at the Institute of Education
Image: Jacob Bøtter via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Professor Kevin Gary
Professor of Education
Valparaiso University
His primary areas of interest include liberal education, ethics, and spiritual education. He is co-founder of the North American Association for Philosophy & Education, which provides a hospitable space for scholars working at the intersection of philosophy and educational thought.
Kevin is the author of the forthcoming book, Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life (Cambridge University Press, 2022).
Further information
Ticketing
Open
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes