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In 2025, the world of philosophy and academia is set to commemorate the centenary of Gilles Deleuze, a French philosopher born in 1925 whose groundbreaking ideas continue to resonate in contemporary culture. Here's a glimpse into some of the upcoming events marking this significant milestone.
1. **The Deleuze Inventory** (8 – 9 November 2025): Located at mk2 Bibliothèque, Paris 13th arrondissement, this two-day event promises an exploration of key themes from Deleuze's work through talks, screenings, performances, workshops, and listening sessions.
2. **Scholarly Symposium** (5 November 2025): Held at Université Paris 8, this symposium will focus on Deleuze's book *L’Image-temps* (*Cinema 2: The Time-Image*), marking its 40th anniversary.
3. **Edinburgh University Press Celebrations** (January 16, 2025): Kicking off the centenary celebrations, Ian Buchanan, a renowned figure in Deleuze studies, will launch the events with reflections on Deleuze's philosophy.
These events underscore the enduring influence of Deleuze's philosophical ideas in modern academia and culture.
The journey of one of Deleuze's most dedicated interpreters, Charles J. Stivale, began in the late 1970s when he first encountered Deleuze's works. Stivale, who is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of French at Wayne State University, Detroit, was initially drawn to Deleuze's psychoanalytical studies and Lacanian theory. Yves Velan, Stivale's advisor, introduced him to Deleuze's works, particularly emphasising the importance of 'Anti-Oedipus'.
Stivale's fascination with Deleuze's works deepened, leading him to engage with 'A Thousand Plateaus' to better understand 'Anti-Oedipus'. In the 1980s, he found himself hard-pressed to keep up with Deleuze's prolific output, grappling with "A Thousand Plateaus" and revising the translation of "Logic of Sense."
Stivale's combined interests in critical analysis, philosophy, and translation drove him deeper into studying Deleuze's works. Over the years, he has translated or co-translated several works by Deleuze and Guattari, including "The Logic of Sense" and "Gilles Deleuze, From A to Z."
Stivale's work has not only been academic but also personal. He formed a fruitful working relationship and friendship with Costas (Constantin V.) Boundas, who drew together the packs of Deleuze scholars. Stivale was also influenced by an article, 'L'appareil sériel', by Michel Pierssens, which used concepts from Deleuze's 'Difference and Repetition' and 'Logic of Sense'.
The Deleuze Seminars project, co-directed by Stivale and Daniel W. Smith, has become an important engagement with Deleuze's works, particularly in relation to archival practices and research. Stivale's dedication to Deleuze's works has been unwavering throughout his career, as he has continually studied and interpreted 'Anti-Oedipus' and 'A Thousand Plateaus'.
These events and Stivale's journey serve as a testament to Deleuze's enduring impact on philosophy and academia. As we celebrate the centenary of Deleuze, it is clear that his ideas continue to inspire and challenge scholars and thinkers around the world.
- For those interested in education-and-self-development, the Deleuze Seminars project, headed by Charles J. Stivale, offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into Deleuze's works, particularly in relation to archival practices and research.
- French studies enthusiasts might find the scholarly symposium focusing on Deleuze's book L’Image-temps (Cinema 2: The Time-Image) both engaging and enlightening, as it promises extensive learning about Deleuze's philosophies on cinema.
