Rapid modernization and globalization have characterized recent developments in the world. In the wake of theses processes, rapidly strengthened presence of populist and nationalist movements and politics also seem to occur. This is evident in many of the European countries today.

 

In early Modernity the Jew, as a prototypical figure, was often despised and perceived as a threat by representatives of the established order. In the era of high Modernity, Jews have been described both as cosmopolites and as agents of modernism.

 

This has also been a self-image of many Jewish intellectuals in this period. One may ask if this is somehow related to the fact the Jews since Antiquity have been a diasporic minority people, living in some kind of, and often shifting exiles?

 

How, if at all, is cosmopolitism and modernism related to Judaism as a continuous intellectual tradition? What is the dialectics of cosmo-politism and nationalism? Between modernism and cosmopolitism? Between Judaism and cosmopolitism, nationalism and exile in the contemporary era?

 

Keynote speaker: Zygmunt Bauman,  UK 

"Cosmopolitism, Modernism and the Jewish European Heritage in the Age of Diasporas."

Participants: Lars Dencik, Diana Pinto, France, Göran Rosenberg, Agneta Pleijel and Natan Sznaider, Israel

Moderator: Björn Wiman

 

Music: Henrik Måwe, Piano,  Christian Svarfvar Violin 

 

It will be broadcasted on Kunskapskanalen and published on Urplay and urskola.se.