About the event
Kafka is one of the most exhilarating writers of the 20th century, and he is extraordinarily relevant for our lives today. His texts push the boundaries of truth, authenticity and legitimacy, forcing us to question why we might be inclined to believe one version of events over another. In this, Kafka anticipates the challenges of our contemporary world, especially in populist, ‘post-truth’ regimes, where truth is up for grabs and power belongs to whoever can spin the most compelling fictions and fantasies.
In this lecture, Leah Tomkins will develop a Kafkan take on two of the most pressing concerns in modern life: the phenomenon of ‘fake news’ and the advent of artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of the recognition and misrecognition of the self. Based on close textual analysis of the original Kafka manuscripts, she will suggest that, more than a century ago, Kafka prefigured these concerns and brought thrillingly to life both their dangers and their seductions.
Speaker
Leah Tomkins is an independent writer, scholar and consultant. Academic affiliations include Sassoon Visiting Fellow at the Bodleian Libraries, and Visiting Professor at the University of the West of England.
Booking information
This event is available to attend in person at the Weston Library or online via Zoom. The event is free and open to all but booking is required. When you have booked your place, the ticketing system will send you an automated confirmation.
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Details will be confirmed to registrants ahead of the event. If you have booked to attend online, you will receive a link to the Zoom webinar in the week before the event.
Friends of the Bodleian
This talk is supported by the Friends of the Bodleian. To enjoy closer access to the Bodleian, including exclusive events and priority access to online content, join the Friends today.
For more information email fob@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Location
This lecture will be held in person in the Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre at the Weston Library.
Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
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Wheelchair access
The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible.