‘Gertrude Stein and the Ethics of Radical Empiricism’

Until recently, early twentieth century experimental author Gertrude Stein has been considered a non-political writer. However, on Wednesday, Sept. 15, Assistant Professor and Director of the Humanities program Michaela Giesenkirchen Sawyer will speak on the inherent ethics of Stein’s language experiments and their political and philosophical implications. Stein’s writing connects in significant ways with the ethics of Radical Empiricism, a philosophical discipline that emphasizes the reality and absolute relevance of experience.

Her writings establish a “philosophy [that] completely regrounds the nature of ethics, testing the value of all values. In essence, it is a philosophy of letting be,” said Sawyer.

The presentation will be held in LI 102 from 2-2:50 p.m.