"Examined Life" Director Astra Taylor Visits Stonehill

EASTON, MA (10/05/2009)(readMedia)-- On Thursday, Oct. 8, documentary filmmaker Astra Taylor will discuss her film, Examined Life, at this year's Common Intellectual Experience Lecture at Stonehill College. The thought-provoking film, which takes eight philosophers and their ideas into the streets and out of academia, is being viewed by the entire Class of 2013 over the next few weeks. This pubic event will take place in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex beginning at 6 p.m. All are welcome.

Centered on Socrates' statement that "the unexamined life is not worth living," the film has its philosophers "examine" their ideas on everything from ethics of consumption to ecology to individualism and to revolution. Revealing philosophy's power to transform, the film gives viewers privileged moments with some of today's great thinkers.

Taylor will be joined by her sister, Sunaura Taylor, a visual artist and disabilities activist featured in the film. The two will discuss art and social engagement in the context of their own lives and work with the Stonehill community. A special screening of the film with the Taylors will take place at 4 p.m., prior to the start of the lecture. They will also visit select classrooms that day. The public is welcome to attend the 4 p.m. screening of the documentary.