Critical Theory Reading Group #2: Benjamin & Sontag
Details
Common Ground Book Club An in-person reading group exploring critical theory, from the Frankfurt School to contemporary thinkers. We’ll read books and essays, and our discussions will focus on society, power, and modern phenomena: from politics to media and social trends.
Second Meeting We will discuss these two introductory texts:
- W. Benjamin, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (1935): s://web.mit.edu/allanmc/www/benjamin.pdf
- S. Sontag, Against interpretation (1964): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54889e73e4b0a2c1f9891289/t/564b6702e4b022509140783b/1447782146111/Sontag-Against+Interpretation.pdf
Optional readings:
- J. Berger, Ways of Seeing (1972): https://www.ways-of-seeing.com/ch1 (Chapter 1 draws directly on Benjamin) or TV series: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4LwAuTw7k
- H. Steyerl, In Defense of Poor Image (2009): https://www.e-flux.com/journal/10/61362/in-defense-of-the-poor-image
- A. Ross, The Naysayers (2014): https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/15/naysayers
Who is it for? No prior philosophy or theory background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to engage. I (the organiser) am not an expert; I just seek other kind souls who want to exchange thoughts ✨
Format
- Readings may be short essays, selected chapters, or full books.
- Each meeting begins with a short recap/introduction of the text.
- Open, informal discussion.
- Everyone is encouraged to bring a passage or question they found interesting, confusing, or provocative.
- Language of discussion: English.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out on Meet-up or Instagram: @commongroundbe