The idea behind the course is inspired the famous essay, The Rebel, by Albert Camus. Similar to Albert in his work, we will try to understand revolt as an attitude to life, both on the individual and the societal level. At the level of the individual, in relation to one’s existence in the world, one finds that they do not matter and their life has no meaning. Individual or metaphysical revolt then captures coming to terms with this state of absurdity. At the societal level, in relation to the structures binding us together, one finds that certain groups are systemically disadvantaged and the structures governing mutual relations are immoral. Intuitively, a tension arises between the fact that as individuals in a world without God we search in vain for meaning, while in the world of late 21st-century capitalism we clearly realize that there are values we stand for and which are worth fighting for politically.

In the course, we will try to explore this tension from various points of view. Through a philosophical examination of revolt on a personal level and revolt on the societal level, they can then clarify their place in the world or re-evaluate priorities regarding which direction to take. The course is intended for anyone who feels oversensitive to this society, who has ever burst into tears while reading the news, who dreads spending their life locked in a corporate rat cage.

The course does not assume any prior knowledge; I only ask those who decide to enroll to prepare a few-minute to say about something they want to revolt against in life or what they have revolted against in the past. It can be a social or personal problem, broad or narrow. The presentation can contain anything you deem appropriate: what bothers you about the problem, what values your position stands on, what you would like to do about it or what you have already done, what you would like others to do.

Individual classes will be based primarily on active debate, cooperation and critical participation. The course will strive not to follow a clear hierarchical arrangement of teacher/students; the creation of knowledge will then take place cooperatively, with only short inputs from my side.

I welcome any initiative; if there is something you think should not be missing, let me know; if there is a topic you know a lot about and would like to present or try out leading a debate, let me know.

1.⁠ ⁠The Concept of Revolt: First, we will introduce what revolt actually is on a conceptual level. Then you will introduce the prepared issues, explaining to each other what they stand for revolting against in life.

2.⁠ ⁠Metaphysical Revolt: An insight into existential and absurdist philosophy.

3.⁠ Personal Revolt: Application of the concept of revolt to specific aspects of personal life. How can our individual actions and decisions serve as a revolt against the regime, structures and other unpleasantnesses?

4.⁠ ⁠Art and Revolt: Is the creation of art a form of personal revolt against a world that we cannot understand through rational reasoning? What role does art play in protests and why do dictators feel such a need to censor it? Bring your favorite piece of political/philosophical art!

5.⁠ ⁠Social Revolt: First, we will discuss historically significant forms of social protest: feminist movements, socialist and Marxist movements, anti-colonial movements, anti-communist and anti-fascist movements and pro-democratic movements. Second, we will discuss the logistics and technical organization a of non-violent protest.

6.⁠ ⁠Alternative Organization of Society: Where does all this revolt lead? Alternative visions of society and the role of science in achieving them.