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Social Sciences

The Philosophy and Sociology of Listening

When:

04 August - 08 August 2025

School:

Maastricht Summer School

Institution:

Maastricht University

City:

Maastricht

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Credits:

2 EC

Fee:

699 EUR

Interested?
The Philosophy and Sociology of Listening

About

What does it matter what people speak when no one listens? If one were to study all the academic fields, would one not essentially be listening to various experts from various fields making various claims about the same world? If no one would listen to each otherā€™s unique experiences of the world and reality, how would we ever be able to organize ourselves in a well-functioning society? Isnā€™t listening then the predominant constitutive element of communication, knowledge, and society? Academic research and discourse predominantly focus on language and speaking, but little attention is given to the other side of language: listening. It should therefore not be all too surprising to the sensitive and careful observer that in everyday life we see more people talking past each other than listening to each other; much attention is demanded, little is supplied. How does listening therefore relate to the world and society, and vice versa? This is a crucial question to understand in order to tackle many issues in all fields of life as one will not find any part in life where listening is not utilized. This course will therefore focus on the transdisciplinary inquiry of listening (what listening is) and its wider relation to society. The basic framework for the philosophy of listening will be provided for then to explore other areas in listening such as psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and communication science. Finally, a pathway towards a sociology of listening will be laid out that not only critiques the literature on listening but also reveals how society shapes our listening behaviour and vice versa; to additionally reveal unfair and inhumane listening practices found in everyday life and their consequences; how the act of listening is enacted.

During this course, renowned scholars in the field of listening will come to Maastricht to give guest lectures on listening. This course will therefore not only provide the opportunity to learn about the intricate inquiry of listening but also to network with listening scholars and course participants. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this course will also, directly and indirectly, provide an opportunity to ā€˜developā€™ your own listening skills as listening is more a confrontation with yourself than with the other.

Course leader

Artur Grygierczyk

Target group

No requirements are needed for this class. The only requirement needed is that one is an university student or carries a university degree. This course is aimed at any university student, researcher, or alumni. Non-academic workers are free to apply too, as long as they have a university degree.

Course aim

ā€¢ To inquire into the intricate nature of listening.
ā€¢ To learn about the various academic perspectives on listening.
ā€¢ To be able to critically assess the listening literature and listening practices in everyday life.
ā€¢ To learn about how society shapes listening and vice versa, and how it contributes to the(re)production of inequalities.
ā€¢ To discuss and reflect upon our own listening practices and what it means to listen ethically.

Fee info

Fee

699 EUR, Tuition Fee

Interested?

When:

04 August - 08 August 2025

School:

Maastricht Summer School

Institution:

Maastricht University

Language:

English

Credits:

2 EC

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