Rotterdam philosophy reading group: Debord: the Society of the Spectacle

Why read Debord today? Because reality keeps proving him right.
Originally published in 1967, Guy Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle remains shockingly relevant—perhaps more relevant than ever. In a world drowning in images, algorithms, and manufactured desires, Debord’s critique of the "spectacle"—capitalism’s ultimate domination through illusion—feels like a wake-up call we desperately need.
We’ve become passive consumers of a fabricated reality, where social media, advertising, and politics merge into one endless performance. But what if we could see through it? Debord’s razor-sharp analysis, drawing on Hegel, Marx, and centuries of radical thought, doesn’t just diagnose the problem—it challenges us to imagine ways of resistance.

###

Whether you’re new to critical theory or a seasoned reader, this book will change how you see the world.

Join our reading group to unpack Debord’s ideas, debate their meaning today, and explore how we might reclaim authentic life from the spectacle’s grip.

The events are free, but you can pay as you please, which would be much appreciated. I donate 10% of the revenue, as I do with all of my income, to effective charities that are recommended by the Effective Altruism Movement (see: https://www.effectivealtruism.org/).

You can send me a one-time donation on:
https://www.paypal.me/FBIJoeri

Or you can support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/filosofischbureauvoorinzichtsvergaring

For those that would like to see me speak about other philosophy stuff, see:

https://www.youtube.com/user/1986Joeri

For those that like to complement or replace their reading with audio-visual material, see the below links. When one does not prepare or is unable to, attendance is of course not prohibited.