Contextualization

Philosophy, in its essence, seeks constant reflection on the most diverse aspects of human existence. Among them, a recurring theme is the discussion of culture and subjectivity. In an increasingly globalized and connected world, in which different cultures are constantly in contact, this debate becomes even more relevant.

Subjectivity, understood as the personal and unique way each individual perceives and interprets the world around them, is intimately linked to the culture in which we are inserted. Culture, in this sense, not only shapes part of our subjectivity, as it is continuously transformed by it. In this dynamic, contemporary culture, full of pluralities, demands even deeper reflections on the way our subjectivities are formed and modified over time.

Theoretical Introduction

This project invites you to dive into a journey of investigation on subjectivity in contemporary culture. The first key point to understand is the concept of subjectivity itself. It is about the individual and untransmittable experience of each one of us, a compound of our histories, emotions, perceptions and interpretations about the world and ourselves.

It is in subjectivity that we also find our identity, as it is constructed from our sociocultural context and our lived experiences. It is through subjectivity that we recognize ourselves as unique beings and judge and interpret the world in a singular way.

Besides, it is important to understand culture not as something static, but as a dynamic phenomenon, in constant transformation. Contemporary culture, in particular, is marked by diversity and plurality, being the result of a growing interaction among different cultures.

Practical Activity: "Subjectivities in Dialogue - A Portrait of Contemporary Culture"

Project Goal:

To stimulate reflection and debate on the ways cultures influence subjectivities, and how they, in turn, shape and transform contemporary cultures. Furthermore, to encourage collaboration, active listening, argumentation and respect for the different perspectives of the world.

Project Description:

Groups of 3 to 5 students will create a "Dialogue Forum", a kind of virtual conference, in which each group member will personify a figure from contemporary culture (which may be a philosopher, artist, activist, scientist, among others) which they consider relevant to the discussion about subjectivity today.

Each student should prepare a short speech (10 to 15 minutes) about their chosen figure's perspective on subjectivity and contemporary culture. The idea is to present the world views that this figure has, as well as their ideas, thoughts and criticisms about the topic, always seeking to problematize the issue of subjectivity in contemporary culture.

After the presentations, the group should hold a debate, considering the perspectives presented. The questions for the debate should be collaboratively constructed during the project, and all members of the group must participate actively.

Materials Needed:

• Internet access for research and communication between group members.
• Virtual platform (such as Google Meet or Zoom) for holding the Forum.
• Reference materials for preparing the speeches (books, articles, videos, etc.).

Project Step-by-Step:

1. Divide yourselves into groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Hold an initial meeting to define the figures that each one will personify.
3. Research about the life, work and ideas of the chosen figure, considering the theme of subjectivity in contemporary culture.
4. Develop a short speech (10-15 minutes), as if you were the chosen figure, approaching their perspective on subjectivity and contemporary culture.
5. Together, work on the questions for the debate from the perspectives presented in the speeches.
6. Hold the Dialogue Forum, with each person presenting their speech, followed by the general debate.
7. After the Forum, have a final discussion about the different views presented and their implications for understanding subjectivity in contemporary culture.

Project Deliverables and Details of the Written Document:

At the end of the project, each group must produce a report with the following structure:

• Introduction: make a summary of the activities carried out, present the project's goal and the relevance of the theme of subjectivity in contemporary culture. Also present the figures chosen by the group members, and why they were considered relevant for the discussion.

• Development: here, you should describe the process of preparing the speeches, and the main ideas presented by each figure. Explain the questions developed for the debate, and how they interact with the ideas presented in the speeches. Also present a summary of the main discussions generated in the Forum, and the methodologies used.

• Conclusion: restate the main reflections generated by the project, and discuss what was learned about subjectivity in contemporary culture through this experience. Present the main difficulties encountered, and how they were overcome.

• Bibliography: present the bibliographic references used to prepare the speeches and the preparation for the Forum.

The report should be delivered within a month after the project's starting date.