Can the Subaltern Speak?

In this seminar, we will be tackling Gayatri Spivak’s epic essay on postcolonial politics and representation of the same name. Spivak addresses the question of whether or not oppressed subjects can speak within the Western framework, and shows how their speech is erased by the discursive structures of the West itself. Expect vigorous and civil discussion with like-minded individuals. Formal training in philosophy is not required; all are welcome.

Alex Gutierrez is a Philadelphia-based writer, teacher, and independent scholar with a background in philosophy. He hosts philosophy seminars at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, where his discussions explore questions at the intersection of ethics, politics, and language. His interests are shaped by post-structuralist thought, particularly the work of figures like Derrida, and focus on themes such as interpretation, incompletion, and the limits of system-building.

Alex’s approach to philosophy emphasizes dialogue, critical reflection, and the idea that no framework—political, ethical, or conceptual—is ever fully closed or complete. In both his seminars and his writing, he is interested in how people navigate uncertainty, disagreement, and the practical challenges of living out philosophical ideas in the world.