Socrates Café at OBA 7th floor - Philosopher Quotes - Sunday afternoon

In this format, we discuss a quote of a well-known philosopher. A summary is provided below. Please take the time to read.

The Moderator will introduce the topic, we will have an open discussion, and a final round when everyone gives their conclusions.

Quote of this Session:

Herbert Marcuse
“The more rational, productive, technical, and total the repressive administration of society becomes, the more unimaginable the means and ways by which the administered individuals might break their servitude."

Herbert Marcuse is pointing out that the more efficient and “rational” a society becomes—through technology, productivity, and organised systems—the more it can control people without them even noticing.

In such a system, domination doesn’t feel like oppression; it feels like comfort, convenience, and normal life.
Because everything appears to function smoothly and logically, individuals lose the ability to even imagine alternative.

About the author
Herbert Marcuse was a German-American philosopher and key member of the Frankfurt School who became one of the most influential critics of modern industrial society. His work argued that advanced capitalism creates subtle forms of control by shaping people’s needs, desires, and thinking, leading to conformity and loss of critical awareness. Best known for books like One-Dimensional Man, he influenced 1960s student movements and remains central to debates about freedom, consumer culture, and social change.

RULES
Please be on time! Make sure you take time for finding the location.
If something happens, please cancel as soon as possible. There are people on the waiting list.
If you repeatedly sign up and don’t show up, expect to be moved to the waitlist next time.
You may disagree with others, but please do so respectfully without personal attacks.
Please keep your attendance to one event per week to ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.
This is a Philosophy event and this event's PRIMARY function is NOT focused on Self Help, Psychology or Theology. Though those topics can be a point of discussion from time to time. Please take that into consideration when signing up!