Woolf Public Seminar | Post-Kantian Philosophy | George Pattison | Dostoevsky's Celebration of Life

​Speaker: Prof. George Pattison

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​Title: Dostoevsky's Celebration of Life

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​Time: Tuesday, October 13, 2pm CT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK

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​Abstract: The paper argues that Dostoevsky offers a profound affirmation of biological life as an integral element in human beings' spiritual destiny. In this regard, his views can be aligned with those of the philosopher Vladimir Solovyov, as focused in the idea of 'all-unity'. The paper focuses on The Brothers Karamazov, showing how this theme is exemplified in the key characters Ivan Karamazov, Dmitri Karamazov, Grushenka, Markel, Zosima, and Alyosha Karamazov.

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​Bio: George Pattison has held posts at Cambridge, Aarhus (Denmark), Oxford, and Glasgow Universities. He has published extensively on the relationship between existential philosophy and Christianity, with particular emphasis on Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Heidegger, and Paul Tillich. His recent work includes a three-part Philosophy of Christian Life (OUP, 2018–21) and Conversations with Dostoevsky (OUP, 2024), a series of fictionalized conversations with the Russian writer on 'God, Russia, Literature, and Life'. The forthcoming Conversation with George Pattison by Philip Tonner, to be published in October by Scottish Universities Press, explores his life and work in a conversational format.

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​The seminars welcome all interested attendees. During these sessions, presenters deliver work-in-progress academic papers, followed by a structured Q&A conducted by a convenor. Woolf students are invited to ask questions first, followed by Woolf faculty, then public attendees.