UniSR meets Nancy Fraser

When we talk about a University, understood as an institution or a place of study, we often do not realize that we are actually referring to an entire universe, as the Latins understood it. A whole of people firmly united by a union of intentions, with a significant impact on the entire population. The one that we all daily refer to as society.

It is precisely to give space, voice, and opportunities for growth to those who will act concretely and change our society tomorrow, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University promotes open dialogues between its academic community and the international one. An opportunity to get in direct contact with issues that are extremely current and close to us.

From 8th to 10th May, during the 2024 edition of the Rotelli Lectures, UniSR had the honour of hosting one of the most brilliant and influential minds of the contemporary philosophical panorama, Professor Nancy Fraser.

With the theme Three faces of capitalist labor. Uncovering the hidden ties between gender, race, and class, the Philosopher brought an in-depth analysis of the complex dynamics of capitalism. Through integrating her theories, she offered new investigative perspectives and an unprecedented overview of the subject, encouraging professors, students, and participants to question the very nature of work and its impact on contemporary life.

It has been extraordinary to hear directly from the American philosopher on topics I am deeply attached to and believe are necessary and fundamental to understand and disseminate in human society. The analysis of contemporary capitalism, so carefully studied by Nancy Fraser, highlights the absolute interaction between humans, their products, and nature. In our world, everything is connected!

Clarissa Tormena Martinelli, first-year student of the Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy at UniSR

The words of a participating student, who shared her impressions of the Rotelli Lectures 2024, reveal the profound impact this event had. The constant and constructive dialogue between the speakers of UniSR and other universities and the students allowed not only to listen attentively to the words of the American philosopher but also to feel an integral part of a process of shared knowledge, highlighting the value of diversity of perspectives in the educational process and of personal growth.

The confrontation with the speakers allows us to understand how philosophy is not something abstract and monolithic but helps to live. As François Jullien points out, it is only in the écart, in the diversity between populations, people and philosophies that we are enriched, we feed, we grow and we acquire a critical sense and awareness.

Clarissa Tormena Martinelli, first-year student of the Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy at UniSR

One of the most stimulating aspects, indeed, was the moment of exchange between the speakers, the students and Nancy Fraser, who questioned herself, trying to find concrete answers to act today. The students, actively involved, showed a deep understanding of the topics covered and an important capacity for debate, in a language other than the mother tongue, surprising even Fraser herself.

It's been an overwhelmingly positive and stimulating experience. I have been very, very impressed by the level of the students that I've been in conversation with both of formerly, when they posed questions in lecture room, but also in sort of informal discussions in the hallways and so on, during the pause. So, it seems that they are, extremely well read and well informed, and I think I've been interacting with students at different levels and their English is excellent.

Nancy Fraser, professor of Political and Social Science at New School For Social Research

A testimony of the commitment of UniSR towards an attentive education of its students, but also of their dedication in pursuing a deep understanding of the world around them.

The 2024 Rotelli Lectures were not only an academic success, but also an extraordinary opportunity for growth and active engagement for students that showed how the issues dealt with directly affect each of us. An event that demonstrated the power of philosophy to shed new light on the complexities of our social reality and to inspire concrete actions for a fairer future.

Cattedra Rotelli is a magical, exciting, and unmissable educational opportunity to see philosophy "at work", to feel it flow in the veins as a lifeblood, a concrete presence in the existence of each of us.

Clarissa Tormena Martinelli, first-year student of the Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy at UniSR