‘Will there be Philosophy after Work?’, is the title of the Department of Philosophy Research Seminar that will be held on Monday 27 March from 17:30 to 19:30 at the Faculty of Arts Library, University of Malta.
The seminar will be delivered by Prof. Neb Kujundzic, University of Prince Edward Island.
During the seminar Prof. Neb Kujundzic will begin by arguing that work (or production) -- the main constituent of Homo Faber) is one of several factors behind the Great Leap Forward. Other factors include, but are not limited to, language, arts, creativity, problem solving, and imagination. Many millennia after the Great Leap, at the turn of the 21st century, Homo Faber appears to be stuck in the cogs of the machine, as Charlie Chaplin aptly illustrated in his movie Modern Times. He will then briefly discuss how, in his own terminology, he creates a matrix by integrating technological determinism, autonomous technology, optimism, and pessimism. No matter where we belong in the Matrix, there is no doubt Homo Faber and its tools have become indistinguishable in the wake of automation and artificial intelligence.
What lessons should Liberal Arts education draw from the aforementioned predicament? He will argue that language, arts, creativity, problem solving, and imagination will soon constitute a new platform for work and productivity. This will impose new demands on education but also create new and exciting opportunities.
Biographical Note
Neb Kujundzic studied Philosophy and Literature at the University of Sarajevo, ex-Yugoslavia. His philosophical mindset has always been characterized by the desire to bridge the divide between the so-called Continental, European and the Analytic, Anglo-Saxon style of philosophy.
He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Waterloo, Ontario and his teaching experience includes Wilfrid Laurier University, Cape Breton University, the University of Prince Edward Island, and the University of Belgrade. His research interests include Philosophy of Technology, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language and Metaphysics.
His administrative experience at the University of Prince Edward Island includes serving as the Philosophy Department Chair, as a member of the Board of Governors, and as the Dean of Arts.