Philosophy Intersections
A series of informal, interdisciplinary talks designed to understand and appreciate the relationship among the fields of study available at Western.
Recent Intersections:
(Click on titles for video!)
Where is Here?: Performing on the Stage of Place
Dr. Paul Edwards, Professor of Communication and Theatre.
February 2nd, 2012
What are we talking about in contemporary American life when we refer to “a sense of place,” or when we speak of the uniqueness of a particular location? Is place primarily defined by geography, utility, individual perception or community standards? When we speak of our place, what does the word mean – home, space, dwelling, sense of self, ideal or something else? The sense of place in real life can be a matter of design, much like a set for a stage play or a location in a film; it also can have more to do with perception by an individual or a group, than with any kind of external realism.
If the sense of place doesn’t necessarily mesh with the perception of one or more of its inhabitants, might that not result in a sense of dis-location? If so, what is to be done about that? Dr. Paul Edwards promises to confront these questions and more by setting a discussion of place within the disciplines of communication, theatre and performance studies.
Presented by
This student-led roundtable conversation will discuss the “Praxis Project” from Dr. John Hausdoerffer’s PHIL 335: Ethics course. In this project, students experimented with the philosophical integrity of moral theory through diverse, community-based projects. Praxis is a process that merges theory and action. This process enhances the philosophical pursuits of ethics and epistemology. Ethically, praxis explores the responsibility to put ideas into practice, and to apply, complicate, and enliven concepts of “the good life.” Epistemologically, praxis examines the extent to which actions inform or distract from philosophical ways of knowing. For these students, praxis pushed them beyond academic questions, allowing them to enact a sense of urgency about community problems and to confront frustrations with the limits of ethical analysis in a classroom setting.
Presented by:
Elizabeth Finegan, Music Education Major
Ian Weber, Music Major
Jeff Worrall, Music Alumnus
Erin Wright, Music Major
With performances by:
Sarah Stai, Music Alumnus
Dr. John Wacker, Music Department Chair
Ian Weber, Music Major
Jeff Worrall, Music Alumnus
WSC Flute choir
Dr. Becky Weidman-Winter, Lecturer of Music, Moderator
March 27th, 2012
This student-led presentation of discussion and performances will explore how space can be implied, defined and represented through music. In some instances, the literal use of space through live performance serves to heighten a second, implied definition of space within the music. Through the text or thematic material of a piece, composers may define space geographically as either a general or specific location. Music may also suggest space in terms of size, isolation, or in how we perceive sound.
