Philosopher and artist Andrey Velikanov launches his new cycle of public lectures Homo Mutabilis: The Man Who Changes the World, Ideas that Change the Man.
Mankind has always strived to influence the world using ideas, as much as material tools. Philosophy, religion, science, art and technology are all results of this inclination. Ideas have transformed not only the world—but also the humans. Homo faber (creative, working man) is constantly evolving into homo mutabilis (a man who changes)—this process never stops, as we continue to discover new things and new possibilities for ourselves, just as it used to be in the times when our ancestors invented a wheel and mastered fire. We have created ourselves and we can be labeled “self-made mankind”. Then, what are the most important ideas that have brought us where we are now? And is it possible to implement them in creative practices?
Any lecture can be attended independently, although as a course, they provide extensive material illustrating the theoretic program of the seminar Philosophy of Art, accessible for a group of students accepted to the course. Course students will study the history of philosophic and artistic movements, analyze texts, make presentations and participate in discussions. A complicated path of learning philosophic ideas, as well as self-training and contemplation, is lying ahead of them. Ultimately, the graduates will not only acquire new knowledge, but will improve their analytical skills, using the experience of various intellectual and creative practices for materializing their own ideas, developing their own creative methods, and achieving a better understanding of themselves within contemporary culture and the world around.