4.370 | Fall 2005 | Graduate

Interrogative Design Workshop

Course Description

"Parrhesia" was an Athenian right to frank and open speaking, the right that, like the First Amendment, demands a "fearless speaker" who must challenge political powers with criticism and unsolicited advice. Can designer and artist respond today to such a democratic call and demand? Is it possible to do so despite the …
“Parrhesia” was an Athenian right to frank and open speaking, the right that, like the First Amendment, demands a “fearless speaker” who must challenge political powers with criticism and unsolicited advice. Can designer and artist respond today to such a democratic call and demand? Is it possible to do so despite the (increasing) restrictions imposed on our liberties today? Can the designer or public artist operate as a proactive “parrhesiatic” agent and contribute to the protection, development and dissemination of “fearless speaking” in Public Space?
Learning Resource Types
Lecture Videos
Image Gallery
The Utterlounge by Kate James.
Kate James’ final project, the Utterlounge, is a chaise lounge designed with an attached sound conduit. (Image courtesy of Kate James.)