In Actions There are no Contradications

A weekend of philosophy, movement, consent-work and language games inspired by Wittgenstein

Led by Noam Raz, with the help of the magnificent David Bloom

This workshop is for those interested in connecting philosophical thought with experience. We will explore ways to anchor abstract ideas in concrete, embodied practices: things we can do collectively and systematically. Experimenting with creating real situations in which we can live and practice an idea. Explore what actually happens,  and let the experience complicate our initial idea, call attention for a needed distinction that might have eluded us before, or maybe even change the question entirely.

We will also approach this relationship from the other direction: how can ideas and language grow out of practice, whether somatic, spiritual, consent-based, or therapeutic? How can we develop concepts that help us understand, deepen, and carry forward what we are trying to cultivate? A language helps us communicate what we do, reveal new possiblities, and guide us where we wish to move towards.

The aim is to create an alliance between philosophical thinking and practical exploration, giving each room to question, enrich, and transform the other.

***

Our starting point will be Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose work invites us to examine words within the activities (‘language games’) and circumstances in which we use them. Through short readings, games, discussion, movement, and shared experiments, we will explore four themes:

1. Words and meaning

What gives a word its meaning? Beginning with Wittgenstein’s language game of a Builder and their assistant, we will explore how words work within a shared activity, and what it takes to understand and respond to them.

2. Limits and boundaries

What is a boundary, and how do we recognize one? Through movement and interpersonal games, we will explore different understandings of boundaries and different criterias for what counts as reaching a limit. We will begin this session with each participant trying to clarify for themselves what is a boundary and how can they tell they reached one, and then return to these considerations after the experiences and see what we would change.

3. At the edge

What happens to our understanding of boundaries when we consider an edge? A boundary can mark where something ends. An edge may also be a place where we can stay: drawn toward something, hesitant, curious, unsure. We will explore what happens when we remain at an edge, and whether these experiences lead us to reconsider our understanding of limits and boundaries.

4. An open exploration

The final session’s theme will remain open, allowing us to follow a question that emerges during the workshop. We may also use this time to develop small experiments around questions participants bring, exploring how to create a practice through which a thought can be investigated together.

Practical details

No previous experience in philosophy, movement or consent work. required. Just curiosity and a willingness to explore through discussion, movement, and play.

Dates: 28–29 November, 10:30–18:00 each day

Four 3 hour sessions across two days, with a 75-minute lunch break and more pauses in between. Tea and light snacks and nourishments will be provided as well (:

Location: Skinship, Rudolfstr. 11, 10245, Berlin. Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible. It is on the 6 floor and there is no elevator.

Price: €120

Early bird: €100 for bookings made by 7 November

Three social tickets are available at €90 for those who need a reduced price.

Payment in two installments is possible.

If you are curious, not sure if this is for you or want to talk - just write me, I will be happy to hear from you.