Philosophy Intersections: "Where is Here? Performing on the Stage of Place"

What are we talking about in contemporary American life when we refer to “a sense of place,” or when we speak of the uniqueness of a particular location? Is place primarily defined by geography, utility, individual perception or community standards? When we speak of our place, what does the word mean – home, space, dwelling, sense of self, ideal or something else? The sense of place in real life can be a matter of design, much like a set for a stage play or a location in a film; it also can have more to do with perception by an individual or a group, than with any kind of external realism.

If the sense of place doesn’t necessarily mesh with the perception of one or more of its inhabitants, might that not result in a sense of dis-location? If so, what is to be done about that? Dr. Paul Edwards promises to confront these questions and more by setting a discussion of place within the disciplines of communication, theatre and performance studies.

Light refreshments will be served!

“Philosophy Intersections” is a series of informal, interdisciplinary talks designed to understand and appreciate the relationship among the fields of study available at Western.