[59th Colloquium of the Center for Legal Theory, SNU Law Institute]

"Rethinking Political Philosophy through 'Incapacity': The Philosophical Implications of Practices by Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities"

Hello, this is the Center for Legal Theory at Seoul National University.

We are pleased to announce our second regular colloquium of 2025.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (KST)

• Speaker: Ki-Hoon Yoo | Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Humanities and Medical Education, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine

Presentation Summary:

Modern political philosophy, based on the rational capacities of citizens, inherently involves the exclusion of those perceived as lacking mental competence. This lecture critically rethinks liberal political philosophy's understanding of humanity and citizenship through the exclusionary category of “incapacity.” Drawing on insights from disability studies and the practices of individuals with psychosocial disabilities, the speaker explores the potential to expand political philosophy.

The talk will discuss the work of John Rawls and his critics, the radical implications of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, perspectives from disability and mad studies, and two key practices of the psychosocial disability rights movement: Open Dialogue and User-Led Research. Ultimately, the lecture proposes that what has traditionally been seen as a basis for exclusion—'incapacity'—can in fact serve as a starting point for reconstructing political philosophy grounded in a new understanding of the human condition.

• This academic event will be held online via Zoom.

• Zoom access details will be emailed individually to registered participants one day prior to the event.

To register, please fill out the form at the link below:
https://naver.me/5VmLQy3F

Inquiries:
Center for Legal Theory, SNU Law Institute
legaltheory@naver.com | 02-880-8684