Loss: A fundamental problem of modernity
Book launch by Professor Andreas Reckwitz.
Glaciers are melting, entire worlds of work are disappearing, and orders are collapsing. The scale of social and cultural loss is putting Western societies under pressure. Loss drives people into the streets, into therapists’ offices, and into the arms of populists.
Loss sets the tone of our time. The ways in which loss is processed have changed, while experiences of loss and fears of loss are escalating further. How can this be explained? And what does it mean for the future? The narrative of progress has lost its credibility, and loss can no longer be rendered invisible. This leads to one of the existential questions of the twenty-first century: Can societies remain modern while productively engaging with loss?
In this talk, Andreas Reckwitz will address this question, drawing on his groundbreaking book 'Loss: A Fundamental Problem of Modernity' (2024), which offers a comprehensive analysis of the social and cultural structures that shape our relationship to loss.
Bio
Andreas Reckwitz is a Professor of Sociology at Humboldt University and achieved international recognition with The Society of Singularities, published in Danish translation in 2019.
Programme
- 15:15: Welcome
- 15:20: Professor Andreas Reckwitz presents: 'Loss: A fundamental problem of modernity'
- 15:50: Reckwitz in discussion with Associate Professor Mikael Carleheden, UCPH and Professor Christian Borch, UCPH
- 16:30: Q&A
- 17:00 End
All are welcome. Afterwards there is a small reception in building 35 in front of the auditorium, where it is possible to buy Andreas Reckwitz’ book with 25% discount (on 7 November).
