Prof. Mark Lilla (Columbia) will lead a discussion of Thomas Mann and Julien Benda, both of whom argued that certain activities have a value beyond the political, though one came from the German Right and the other from the French Left. This virtual seminar will explore questions such as the following: Are there non-political goods and non-political truths? Do intellectuals need to live above the political fray in order to fulfill their calling? Can politics ever benefit from impracticable ideals and unpractical ways of thinking?
Reading
Mark Lilla, Introduction to The Reflections of a Nonpolitical Man by Thomas Mann (will be made available to attendees)
Mark Lilla, Introduction to The Treason of the Intellectuals by Julien Benda (will be made available to attendees)
Becca Rothfeld, “Sanctimony Literature” (link)
Space is limited, so please indicate your interest using the RSVP form. If we are able to offer you a spot, we will send you the Zoom link in due course.