Going blank: Loss of emotions in the era of technology

Self-control is a prized character trait in ancient philosophy. As children, we’re taught to get our emotions under control. But perfect mastery is impossible: our emotions tend to control us. With the rise of new technology, perfect emotional regulation becomes within our reach. Imagine if, with just a click of a button, you could be sent into Stoic calm or Buddhist bliss. But wouldn’t it be easier if, instead of being regulated, our emotions were simply gone? We will discuss the idea of deleting emotions, perfect humans, and the emerging value of going blank.

Philosophy Salon: Absence series.

Philosophy Salons is a new collaboration between Anya Farennikova and Future Based. The Philosophy salons are a place of exchanging ideas and perspectives. Under the guidance of Anya, we will discuss pressing societal issues through a philosophical lens. By discussing a topic with experts from different fields, the salons aim to illuminate and bring new perspectives through conversation.

In this first series of three gatherings, the salons will be with the theme of ‘absence’. We are aware of what is, but how do we become aware of what is not? And why should we even bother?

Anya Farennikova (she/her) is a philosopher of mind based at the University of Amsterdam. Her research centers on the questions surrounding experiences of absence: the ways that humans relate to what is lost, absent, or incomplete. Before moving to Amsterdam, Anya held a lectureship position at the University of Bristol and a research fellowship at the Australian National University. Philosophy Salons is a new collaboration between Anya, Sabine Winters and Future Based. The Philosophy salons are a place of exchanging ideas and perspectives. Under the guidance of Anya, we will discuss pressing societal issues through a philosophical lens. Get in touch with Anya at: Anya@futurebased.org

Location: Tetterode

The unique location for this meetup is in the Tetterode complex: a monumental building on the Bilderdijkstraat where artists live and work, a cultural breeding ground. The facade of the building is bricked with ochre-colored bricks. The influence of Art Nouveau is evident in the large windows with printed toging and in the granite elements with plant motifs in the decoration. Tetterrode is a factory building from 1902-1903 with an extension from 1906 of general importance because of architectural-historical and typological value and of importance as historical-functional part of the complex Tetterode. The meetup will take place in the authentic Tetlokaal.