In times of pandemics, global climate change, collapsing social state, increased social differences, disapperance of middle class, political particularism and atomisation of society, we need to ask what holds society together. In this course we will philosophically investigate phenomenon known from sociology as social cohesion. Yet, our approach to social cohesion goes beyond a general concept of group identity of social coherence. Much more usefull approach offers Anita Rita Mancy who believes that social cohesion is related to the extent of connectivity and solidarity between social groups. Democratic effort to ensure social ballance, economic dynamics and ecological sustainability are thus integral aspects of this kind of social cohesion. Thanks to social cohesion, society can limit social inequalities and marginalization of various parts of population. Social cohesion is based on respect to human needs of freedom, justice, transparence, trust and possibility of personal growth. Yet, the question remains whether and how is social cohesion actually a consequence of the very essence of our mutual coexistence with others. In the same manner, we must ask, how is social cohesion endangered and what makes it possible. All these questions will be discussed together with the works of Jean-Luc Nancy and Catherine Malabou. Nancy offers penetrating insights to ontology of our coexistence while also radical dangers of our mutual coexistence never escape his attention. Malabou allows us to understand solidarity and mutal help without recourse to any presupposed chains while at the same time uncovers social gaps which divide society or lead to creation of artificial social subjects with fragile and rigid identity. Through the combination of these two approaches we may see social cohesion in its complexity.
Understanding the problem of social cohesion Orientation in current social and political issues Knowledge of contemporary approaches in philosophy and theory of sociality
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