Užupis University Symposium on Applied Paradox

For centuries, we have been following rational thinking in the Cartesian style. This thinking has transformed our mind into a highly efficient tool with which we can analyze, optimize and exploit everything – but somehow it also forces us to do so. Caught in our rational thinking space, we tackle the biggest problems in human history with the same old reflexes that only bring us closer to extinction. Nevertheless, this Cartesian rational thinking is so omnipresent that we can hardly imagine any other way to think and solve problems.

It is time to try something different. Something totally different. So let’s try the opposite of Cartesian rational thinking. Let’s try paradox (: But what does paradox thinking actually look like? And how can we apply paradox to meet the challenges of our time?

At the Užupis University Symposium on Applied Paradox unbearably wise and foolish artists, techis and cultural makers will help us leave our familiar terrain of thoughts to explore the unthinkable. We will discuss the potential of paradox in relation to topics like quantum computing, glitch feminism, space habitation and π!