Out of Print: The problem of literacy

“Out of Print” will examine the ostensible crisis of reading in our age in literary, philosophical, historical, and sociological forms. A public philosophy symposium at Verudin, an arts and culture space in East London that offers an idiosyncratic mix of events, courses and exhibitions addressing urgent cultural, political, and philosophical questions through visual culture.

“Out of Print” invites both writers and academics working in the field of literacy to “think in public” alongside their audiences. It will feature the following contributions:

• Alison Brady (philosopher of education based at UCL Institute of Education) will explore ‘writing paraphernalia’, their role in literacy practices, and why this is relevant in an age of AI.
• Kit Wilson (writer and musician) will discuss “hyper-literacy” in the digital age.
• Edmund King (writer and senior lecturer at the Open University) will question the over-inflated powers of reading in contemporary society.
• Daniel Hadas (writer and academic based at King’s College) will explore Homer’s transition from spoken to written text, and offers an historicization of literacy in the Ancient World.

This event will be particularly useful to students, academics, wider public – those interested in literacy, the arts and humanities, (public) philosophy, reading and writing in an age of AI, contemporary culture.

Related links

• Centre for Philosophy of Education
• Department of Education, Practice and Society

Image

Sam Robinson for UCL.