[Ascp-news] ACU Philosophy Seminar - September 23rd, 2025 - Prof. Jean-Philippe Deranty (Macquarie University)

[James Dorahy]

Dear Colleagues (with apologies for cross positing),

ACU's National School of Philosophy will be hosting Professor Jean-Philippe Deranty (Macquarie University) on Tuesday 23rd September.  Details are below.  All are welcome.

Please note: this is a hybrid seminar to be delivered in person and via MS Teams.  Please email contact me directly at james.dorahy at acu.edu.au for the Teams link.

Time: 3:30 pm Tuesday, 23rd September
Place: Rm. 21 Level 13 Tenison Woods House (8-20 Napier Street, North Sydney<https://maps.app.goo.gl/n5PLE9bg7ZZLYG8T6>)

Title: Aristotelian Objections to the Centrality of Work: A Rejoinder

Abstract:

The Aristotelian dichotomy between praxis and poiesis, that is, between action that is intrinsically meaningful versus action that is only instrumentally valuable, has been the conceptual foundation for some of the most influential philosophers critical of capitalist modernity (notably Arendt, Habermas, and MacIntyre) and it continues to inform many contemporary arguments advocating the obsolescence of work. In this presentation, I consider arguments against the centrality of work that are grounded in this dual theory of action and I present some rejoinders. The praxis/poiesis distinction is invoked to capture the eclipse of authentic, autonomous action by instrumental, technically controlled, heteronomous action in the modern world. Work is cast as both expression and driver of this “atrophy of praxis”. Besides political praxis, three other forms of action are often brought forward as being truer to human flourishing: play, leisure, and contemplation. Following György Márkus, I first highlight the deep conceptual instability of the praxis/poiesis dichotomy. This undermines denunciations of work as driver and expression of heteronomy and loss of meaning, with particular significance for politics. I then present responses to arguments from play, leisure and contemplation.


Best wishes,
James




Dr. James F. Dorahy

Lecturer in Philosophy

National School of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Australian Catholic University



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E: james.dorahy at acu.edu.au<mailto:>

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