Planets and Their Discontents: Is Civilization What Ails Us? Film Discussion of Planet of the Apes (1968)
Friday, October 12 | 7:00-8:30 PM
Details
A brash space cowboy. A new world. People wearing monkey suits. Planet of the Apes (1968) teeters on the edge of cheesy absurdity, but ultimate triumphs as science fiction classic, one that provides a trenchant critique of human self-destructiveness. It's a critique that amounts--given the film's premise--to an unexpected twist: it's not the case that what ails humanity is too little civilization, but too much. In this, it echoes such classic critics of civilization--and defenders of the prerogatives of the instinctual--as Rousseau, Nietzsche, and Freud.
Presenter:
Wes Alwan, M.A. is a writer, cohost of The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast, and doctoral student at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. He lives in Cambridge, MA, where he thinks a lot about the political and moral psychology of film, literature, and contemporary American culture.
Please view film prior to discussion. Film available for viewing at BGSP at 4:30 PM
Continuing Education Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Discuss the premise of human nature’s self-destructiveness as it relates to this film.
- Discuss what is meant by the instinctual nature of human beings as posited by Freud.
- Discuss the whether or not there is relevance of this film today in our understanding of human nature. Apply this to clinical or personal experience.
BGSP is authorized to provide CEs for: Psychologists (all levels), Social Workers, Counselors
Fee: Free or $25 for 1.5 CE’s/Clock Hours*
*Full refund available if you cancel one week prior to the event. If you have any questions, email info@bgsp.edu.
Offering CEs for: Psychologists (all levels), Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors
Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. BGSP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.
Application for social work continuing education credits is being submitted. Please contact us at ContinuingEd@BGSP.edu for the status of social work CE accreditation.
For information on continuing education credits for nurses, social workers, or marriage and family counseling, call 617-277-3915.
The Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Direct inquiries may be made regarding the accreditation status by the New England Association to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Ste 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514, 781-425-7700 or email: cihe@neasc.org
