Conceived in this moment of appalling political instability, Agora Europe creates opportunities for a public debate on how to reorganize the European political space. The events at Columbia, sponsored by the European Institute, Columbia Maison Française, Columbia European Society, and the Society of Fellows and Heyman Center for Humanities, will be an occasion to talk about the future of Europe, and to discuss the potential of each European nation to shape the European political space. The first event on campus will be a film screening and discussion of The Socrates of Prague (September 25th at 6:15pm, Heyman Center).

About the Movie

In 1977, in Prague, city at the heart of Europe, the philosopher Jan Patočka became the unlikely spokesperson for Charta 77 — a proclamation signed by a number of dissidents and issued to the communist authorities that pointed out the flagrant disregard of the norms of freedom and legality in Czechoslovakian society.

What is the significance of this engagement? Who was Jan Patočka? Why did a philosopher whose life was dedicated to reading, writing, and teaching decide so late in his life to engage himself in the world?

The Socrates of Prague explores these questions by addressing several students and friends who in the 1960s and 70s witnessed Patočka’s intellectual and political efforts, and shared with him the intense desire for a social and political renewal after the dramatic end of the Prague Spring.

Speakers:

Nicolas de Warren (PennState University/Husserl Archives Leuven)

Caterina di Fazio (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne/Columbia)

James Dodd (New School)

Simona Forti (Università del Piemonte Orientale/New School)

Giovanni Giorgini (Università degli studi di Bologna/Columbia)

Find more information on the series here