Event Time: 11am PT/2pm ET/7pm UK
“On Anxiety”: Samir Chopra in conversation with Maryam Aghdami
Today, anxiety is often seen as a pathology, the most diagnosed and medicated psychological disorder of all. However, many philosophers argue that anxiety is a normal, essential part of being human, offering a deeper understanding of ourselves and potentially leading to more meaningful lives. In his new book, Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide, Samir Chopra intertwines insights from Buddhism, existentialism, psychoanalysis, and critical theory to offer a multidimensional view of anxiety as an existential, political, and moral issue, reflecting societal and personal dynamics. While Chopra does not feel that philosophy can “cure” anxiety, it can lead to greater self-knowledge and self-acceptance, making us less anxious about being anxious.
This event will discuss important questions on the philosophical approaches to anxiety: What is anxiety? How is anxiety related to our existential condition? What are the material and cultural triggers of anxiety? Is medication necessary to treat anxiety? Can philosophy help us to overcome our anxieties? And, if so, how? You can find out more and register here.