Upcoming Online Seminar: “Solitude: From Alienation to Enstasy in Urban Cultures” by Prof. Julian Stern
We are pleased to invite members of the ISRS and the wider academic community to an upcoming research seminar hosted by the Institute of Philosophy and Psychology “Constantin Rădulescu-Motru” of the Romanian Academy (I.F.P.A.R.).
Event Details
- Title: Solitude: From Alienation to Enstasy in Urban Cultures
- Speaker: Professor Julian Stern (Bishop Grosseteste University / Lincoln)
- Date: Thursday, 8 October 2026
- Time: 12:00–14:00 Bucharest time (EEST) / 10:00–12:00 UK time (BST)
- Platform: Online via Google Meet
- Access Link: https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnkd%2Ein%2Fe_mgCPTt&urlhash=-2yn&mt=NRjQqQHL7WvREUgJTNGFR6EYEYoxsRBru-5clRKUadn00CcqjkpX-ebPszrJFdVXBndPCeyxnCn-HtpZXKw25ITLQ9G3HQOJeGyWHNWj4uogJncPVX1Q5L8gZ40&isSdui=true
- Registration: Open to all, no registration required
About the Seminar
The philosophy of solitude is complex, and how solitude is presented culturally—especially in art, literature, and music—illuminates how solitude is experienced. This talk focuses on the philosophy of solitude over the last two centuries of largely urban life. It explores the culturally-mediated negative experiences of urban alienation and loneliness, alongside the positive experiences of healthful urban solitude and enstasy—defined as being comfortable within oneself (in contrast to ecstasy, escaping from oneself).
Drawing on a range of work on solitude in general, the philosophy of solitude, and specific work on the culture of solitude, Prof. Stern will present the variety and depth of solitudes.
All interested scholars, students, and members are warmly invited to attend and join the discussion!
