Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity
Presented by ‘a philosopher…walks…talks…makes’
| Meet the Authors | Hear the Stories | Explore the Ideas |
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- Refunded if the event is cancelled
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Accessibility
The library has full step free access. Please take the side entrance on Blackness Avenue. Press the door buzzer and the library staff will release the door to open. In the side entry hallway, there is a single person, wheelchair accessible lift available to access the upstairs room. In the highly unlikely event of a fire, a contingency will be needed to evacuate without lift. There is a disabled parking space near the library in Blackness Avenue. All toilets are non-gendered and available on the ground floor. We encourage arriving on foot or by public transport. Local buses stop outside the library, serviced by routes Xplore 5, 5a, 6, 17, and Stagecoach 16, 72, 73, 73a, 73c. Nearby the library, there is free on street residential parking and a paid car park (please check signs for any time limits and regulations).
Please note for this date Read before booking
I understand that we shall discuss challenging and potentially divisive topics. I am prepared to have my ideas challenged and approach new ideas and perspectives with curiosity. I accept the Philosophy Bookclub guidelines to participate kindly, thoughtfully, carefully with the aim of understanding myself and others better, and to direct my comments towards ideas rather than people. By purchasing this ticket I consent to attending an event that is recorded.
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Zero booking feesOptional, paid directly to ‘a philosopher…walks…talks…makes’.
- Secure checkout by Stripe
- Refunded if the event is cancelled
- Apple & Google Wallet
About this event
Meet Alexander Douglas, who was born in Canberra, Australia, where he studied music and philosophy. He now teaches history of philosophy and the philosophy of economics at the University of St Andrews. He specializes in combining ideas from Western and East Asian philosophy, and has published two books on the philosophy of Benedict de Spinoza and one on the philosophy of debt.
Hear from Zhuangzi, Spinoza, Girard in Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping Identity, Allan Lane (an imprint of Penguin Books), 2025. It reveals how, for each of these three culturally, historically, and geographically distinct thinkers, identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth. Responding to these thinkers, it offers a wise alternative where we make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping ourselves.
Explore our identity. We are currently encouraged to champion our identity, defend it against those that contradict or oppose us. But what are we really defending, what is identity? And is it worth the cultural polarisation and violence it provokes?
PHILOSOPHY BOOKCLUB transforms ‘meet the author’ into a novel philosophical conversation through storytelling. It offers you a unique opportunity to directly discuss philosophical ideas with the authors of books you might be already reading, might be interested in reading but not sure how to approach, might even think are not for you, or might never otherwise know about. It is made to be equally enjoyed by those who have read the book or have not, those who know about the philosophy or do not, those who are interested in books or those who are interested in philosophy (or both). All curious minds welcome.
In collaboration with Arts Library Dundee (ALD), the event will be recorded live, then lightly edited for continuity, and shared online by ALD.
You can order your copy of the book from our Philosophy Bookclub friends at Book Attic, 93 Perth Road, Dundee, DD1 4HZ
Important InformationWe shall be discussing challenging and potentially divisive topics. We ask all participants to a...
We shall be discussing challenging and potentially divisive topics. We ask all participants to approach new ideas and differing perspectives with curiosity. Philosophy Bookclub guidelines are to participate kindly, thoughtfully, carefully with the aim of understanding yourself and others better, and to direct your comments towards ideas rather than people. Recording Agreement. By purchasing a ticket you agree to participate in a live event that is being recorded. Only the host and author will be miked and videoed throughout. Specific recording of audience participation is voluntary and aims to be anonymous (i.e., without names of speakers). Opt-out options will be explained at the event.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking?
There is on street residential parking in the streets around the library and a nearby paid car park. Please check the signs for any time-limits and regulations. We encourage taking public transport (stops by the library are serviced by Xplore and Stagecoach busses) or arriving on foot or by bicycle (there is a rack to lock your bike outside the library).
Do I need to know or have done any philosophy?
No! This is an opportunity for you to experience philosophical thinking, explore ideas, without having read or been taught philosophy. Equally if you have any philosophy experience, or are a philosopher, you have the opportunity to participated in Philosophy Bookclub’s novel approach to philosophical conversation.
Do I need to have read the book?
No! Philosophy Bookclub is designed to be equally enjoyed by those who have or have not read the book. Author readings from their book and Kathrine’s response will raise questions and ideas, which everyone will have and be able to share their views on. We hope our novel philosophical conversation offers those who are yet to read the book interesting and accessible ways to approach it, and those who have read the book new insights and perspectives on it.
Where can I buy the book?
You can order Philosophy Bookclub books from our friends at the Book Attic, 93 Perth Road, Dundee, DD1 4HZ. And then your book will be available at the event. A copy will also be available to borrow from Blackness Library.
Can I get my book signed?
There will be opportunity to get your book signed at the event.
Booking questions 5
How much are tickets for Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity?
Tickets start from £5. Prices go up to £10 depending on the ticket type. tickts charges no booking fees, with no commission on top of the ticket price.
When is Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity?
Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity takes place on Saturday 12 December 2026 at 11:00am.
Where is Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity?
Philosophy Bookclub: Against Identity is held at Blackness Community Library, Dundee.
Are there any booking fees?
No. tickts does not add booking fees, so you only pay the ticket price shown. There are no surprise charges at checkout.
How will I receive my tickets?
Your tickets are emailed to you straight after purchase. Show them on your phone or print them, and you can always find them again in your tickts account.
