Philosophy Lyceum

On Friday February 1, 2013, the MTSU Philosophy Department will inaugurate its spring Applied Philosophy Lyceum with Richard Shusterman’s presentation, “Pragmatism, Somaesthetics, and Contemporary Art.”

Richard Shusterman, currently the Dorothy F. Schmidt Eminent Scholar in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy at Florida Atlantic University, is internationally known for his work in pragmatist aesthetics. He is the author or editor of twenty-two books published in fifteen languages, including Body Consciousness (2008); Surface and Depth (2002); Performing Live (2000); Sous l'interprétation (1994), Pragmatist Aesthetics: Living Beauty, Rethinking Art (1992), and T.S. Eliot and the Philosophy of Criticism (1988). Shusterman has also reviewed books for The Nation and contributed catalogue essays for prominent art museums.

Drawing upon his recent experiences curating an exhibit of artworks at the Sorbonne, held in conjunction with a conference at the University of Paris celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the publication of his Pragmatist Aesthetics, Professor Shusterman’s lecture will focus on what he calls “somaesthetics,” articulating a critical perspective for engaging with the culture’s growing preoccupation with the body, as well as employing the insights of American pragmatism to explore new directions for the visual arts.

The lecture will be held February 1, 2013 at 4:00 in James Union Building, Room 304 on the Middle Tennessee State University Campus. The lecture is free and open to the public. A discussion period and an informal reception will follow. For more information, contact the MTSU Philosophy Department at 898-2907.