Contextualization

One of the great challenges that contemporary philosophy presents is the question of subjectivity in culture. Subjectivity is a concept in constant change and evolution, representing individual and collective identity, each individual's perspective, and their interpretation of personal experiences. Subjectivity is constantly challenged by the speed at which contemporary culture changes, through technological advances, globalization, and social media.

In philosophy, subjectivity lies at the intersection of self-awareness and social interaction, being a dynamic process that evolves and is negotiated in real time. Subjectivity is seen in relation to objectivity, where objectivity is a cultural consensus, a shared frame of reference that guides human thought and action. However, subjectivity indicates that each individual has a unique and personal perspective, which may or may not align with objectivity.

The contemporary world presents new dimensions for subjectivity, with the advancement of communication technologies, the growth of social networks, and almost infinite access to information. Digital culture, in particular, presents unique challenges for subjectivity. Social networks have become a sphere where subjectivity is constantly negotiated and performed. The digital identities we create on online platforms are extensions of our subjectivity, shaped by social interaction in virtual environments.

Understanding subjectivity in contemporary culture is vital to understanding society as a whole. This project aims to explore subjectivity in contemporary culture, examining how it is shaped and influenced by internal and external factors.

Theoretical Introduction

There are many theorists and thinkers whose work can provide a solid foundation for this project. The work of Michel Foucault is a great starting point, especially his concept of 'governmentality'. According to Foucault, 'governmentality' is a type of social control that operates not through direct coercion, but by shaping individuals' subjectivity.

In addition to Foucault, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari offer a useful insight into how identities are created and modified in our constantly changing contemporary culture. They propose the idea of 'deterritorialization', which describes the continuous process of change and displacement that characterizes subjectivity.

Last but not least, Judith Butler's work on the performativity of gender offers a significant understanding of how subjectivity is constantly created and recreated through performative acts. According to Butler, gender is not a static and fixed aspect of identity, but something that is constantly performed and negotiated in social contexts.

To deepen the understanding of the topic, students can rely on the following resources:

1. The History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault

2. A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari

3. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity by Judith Butler

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Selfie: Subjectivity in Contemporary Digital Culture'

Project Objective:

Explore and analyze subjectivity through the creation of a digital profile, taking into account the philosophical perspective of subjectivity in contemporary culture and how it is shaped by social and technological aspects.

Project Description:

The student groups will create a fictional digital 'persona' that represents a specific identity within a social, cultural, ethnic, or gender group. They will explore the culture and subjectivity of this persona, creating a digital profile for them on a fictional social media platform.

This profile should include posts, comments, photos, and other materials that reflect the identity and culture of this persona, as well as their subjectivity. Students should consider the works of Foucault, Deleuze, Guattari, and Butler when creating this profile.

Required Materials:

1. Computer or device with internet access
2. Image editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop or free online design applications)
3. Access to the works of Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari, and Judith Butler

Activity Steps:

1. Forming Groups: Students should form groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group should choose a 'persona' to explore.

2. Initial Research: Groups should start researching the chosen social, cultural, ethnic, or gender group, their customs, traditions, challenges, and lifestyle.

3. Study of Theorists: Students should study the works of Foucault, Deleuze, Guattari, and Butler, focusing on their theories of subjectivity and identity. They should discuss and analyze how these theories apply to the chosen persona.

4. Creating the Profile: Each group should then create the digital profile of their persona on a fictional social media platform. They should create posts, comments, photos, and other materials that reflect the identity and culture of this persona.

5. Analysis: After creating the profile, students should analyze how the identity and subjectivity of their persona are expressed and perceived in digital culture.

Project Deliverables:

1. Digital Profile: Groups should deliver the digital profile of their persona, including all posts, comments, photos, and other materials created.

2. Project Report: Groups should write a detailed report on the project. The report should follow the following format:

   • Introduction: Contextualization of the project, including the relevance of the theme, the choice of the persona, and the platform used to create their digital profile.

   • Development: Detailed description of the activity, including the methodology used to create the digital profile and the analysis of the posts and materials created. Additionally, the theories of the studied philosophers and how they were applied in practice should be discussed.

   • Conclusions: Discussion of the project results, the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn about subjectivity and identity in the midst of contemporary digital culture.

   • Bibliography: Bibliographical references used for the project development.

Remember, the effectiveness of the deliveries will be measured not only by the accuracy of the information but also by the creativity, collaboration, and ability to critically analyze by the students.