ARE WE LOST? English Philosophical Discussion

Are we lost? And is this a new thing? Human societies seem to be on the run, swerving (sometimes literally) from left to right and back again. No wonder the ancient epic tale of trickster Ulysses is getting its revival, thereby answering the second question. No, it's not a new thing. It's just that our ways and means of getting lost have changed over time.

Homer's Ulysses criss crossed the mediterranean for ten years, until all his companions were drowned, eaten or otherwise killed off - to be revived now again in a cinematic spectacle. James Joyce's "Ulysses" meanders through Dublin of June 16, 1904. Less deadly, much shorter, but quite as lost.

But how lost are? Not so much as individuals, but as societies. Scylla and Charybdis are looming just right around the corner, Cyclops is reborn as a super hero and instead of plugging our ears with bee's wax we constantly listen to the sirens on our AirPods, while creating artificial super intelligences either wired to elevate us or create a planet wide extinction event.

So much doom, so much gloom. But we're not extinct yet. So let's enjoy this night before Bloomsday by getting prepared for our journey into the unknown unknowns and have a drink and a chat (and listen a bit to a digitally revived James Joyce reading from the first chapter of his Ulysses).

After a quick intro we'll dive into our discussion.

• The discussion is in English and you will need to have a high B2 level or above to participate. Attendance numbers are limited due to the size of the venue. If you can't come, change your RSVP before lunchtime on the day in case there is a wait list, and someone wants to come in your place. Looking forward to see you.
• There will be some beer and vermut, but otherwise it's BYB: bring your own bottle and bring your own brain.