Losing it: the variety of ecstatic experiences
Jules Evans
Wednesday 20 November, 5-7pm
Senior Common Room, Trevelyan College, Durham University
In our rational, self-controlled, and industrious society, have we forgotten the art of losing control? Jules Evans considers ecstatic experiences, how they were pathologised during the Enlightenment, and how people found new avenues to ecstasy, in popular religion, in music, in art and poetry, in drugs, sex and sport. He asks if ecstasy fits easily into a materialist paradigm, or challenges it. Are such experiences meaningful or revealing, or simply nice sensations?
Jules Evans is policy director at the Centre for the History of the Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London. He is the author of ‘Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations’, which explores how ancient philosophy inspired Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It’s been published in 19 countries. He organises the London Philosophy Club, is a BBC New Generation Thinker, and regularly speaks on the radio and at book festivals and conferences.
Please RSVP to Christine Jawad if you would like to attend.