Ukrainian philosopher and public intellectual Volodymyr Yermolenko to explore humanity in times of war

On 28 May, from 16:15 to 17:45, renowned Ukrainian public intellectual and Associate Professor in Philosophy, Volodymyr Yermolenko will deliver a public lecture at the University of Tartu (Ülikooli 18–128) exploring how the experience of war challenges and transforms our grasp of fundamental human conditions. The event will also feature a commentary by Associate Professor of Political Philosophy Siobhan Kattago, followed by an open Q&A session.

"How the War Changes the Way We Think About Humanity?"

Volodymyr Yermolenko will offer insights drawn from his philosophical work and firsthand experiences during the ongoing war in Ukraine, exploring how this experience invites us to reconsider — in new or perhaps long-forgotten ways — fundamental questions about life and death, freedom and commitment, time and space, the individual and community, borders and infinity.

The lecture will be followed by commentary and questions from Associate Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Tartu, Siobhan Kattago, and an interactive Q&A session open to all attendees.

About the Speaker

Volodymyr Yermolenko is Ukrainian public intellectual, writer, journalist and philosopher. He is the president of PEN Ukraine, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and an Associate Professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. He is also the host of the podcast Explaining Ukraine, one of the most widely listened-to English-language podcasts about Ukraine. Besides his academic and literary contributions, he actively engages in humanitarian efforts, frequently traveling to frontline areas to deliver vehicles to Ukrainian soldiers and other neccessities; books to civilians and organising cultural events.

Yermolenko's contribution to philosophical reflection on the war has also been featured in the special issue of Studia Philosophica Estonica titled "Reflections of the Russia-Ukraine War", which brought together academic voices responding to the ongoing war. The special issue received international recognition and wide readership, including attention from scholars, journalists, and diplomats around the world, as reported in this follow-up article.

Read "Thinking in Dark Times: Life, Death, and Social Solidarity" by Volodymyr Yermolenko in Studia Philosophica Estonica. Vol 17 (2024). "Reflections on the Russia-Ukraine War", (ed) Aaron James Wendland.

Please note that the public event will be filmed and photographed, and the materials may be published afterwards.

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