He brought the philosophy to social media by creating the «BarbaSophia» channel on Youtube. Today it has 222,000 members, thus denying those who think that philosophy is no longer in fashion. He is Matteo Saudino, professor of history and philosophy at the «Giordano Bruno» high school in Turin. His book “Philosophy is not a beard” published two years ago was an editorial case, so a new chapter has arrived, “Rebel with philosophy” (Vallardi). Saudino will talk about it today with Davide Ruffinengo of «Perfumes for the mind». The appointment is at 7 pm in FuoriLuogo, via Govone 15. Entrance with reinforced green pass and Ffp2 mask, reservations at [email protected].
“Rebel with philosophy” is presented as a tool for cultivating independence of judgment, which is increasingly indispensable in a world dominated by standardization.
What is homologation?
«The laziness of thinking independently. To rebel does not mean to be unconventional, but to subject reality to the test of reason. Today there are too many muscular certainties and few doubts, little reasonableness. To rebel means to withdraw from those who say “Don’t think with your head, we’ll think for you” ».
How do you suggest avoiding homologation?
“I’ve been looking for travel companions who help us question complexity. They are tools for deconstructing. There is always the risk of trivializing reality, so the first piper who passes carries the rats that follow him without thinking ».
What are the main negative effects of type approval?
«The loss of autonomy. When you homologize you follow the flock. In addition to getting lazy, you are no longer the architect of your destiny, others decide for you. But when I try to understand reality, I can make choices. Many are afraid of this responsibility, but the risk of giving up thinking is that of remaining in a condition of service, in the words of de La Boétie ».
How is independence of judgment achieved?
«Studying, inquiring, keeping curious. Philosophy is born from wonder, understood as amazement and restlessness. Faced with anything, the investigation can begin. Philosophy is falling in love par excellence and it is the search for truth, more than truth ».
Paradoxically, today the internet offers great knowledge, but also disinformation. What to do?
«Yes, there is an excess of information, and being online all the time kills the wonder. It’s like being inside the Alexandria library without being aware of what’s inside. Nice to have abundance, but there is a risk of falling into boredom. So we need to carve out some space and cultivate curiosity ».
Which philosophers did he put in his toolbox and why?
«I have chosen ten thinkers who have allowed me to touch on great themes, such as science with Hypatia, ethics with Epicurus and Spinoza, peace with Kant, social justice with Marx and Olympe de Gouges, freedom with de La Boétie. Then there are Anaximander, Protagoras and Pascal. With them I tried to say not to flatten out with respect to a reality considered immutable. The world is the theater of our actions, which are moved by thought. Therefore it is better to do it in a conscious way and with a critical spirit ».
What are the risks of rebelling without awareness?
«Fall into the conformism of rebellion. A flash in the pan. It is yet another illusion. Today we need robust thinking, starting from the old motto of the oracle of Delphi, “know yourself”. From here you can find the direction of your path ». –