Bio/CV
Alicja Gescinska is a Polish-Belgian philosopher, writer and poet. She studied moral science at Ghent University, after which she carried out research at the University of Warsaw. Gescinska is an important voice in contemporary social and philosophical debate. Her publications testify to a great humanistic engagement and, especially, to a great belief in the value of free thinking and free speech.
Guest curator of PACT - the Pauwels Academy of Critical Thinking
With an academy of critical thinking, VUB wants to convey to the broadest audience possible that doubt, uncertainty and a growing understanding are not weaknesses, but the very driver of scientific and societal progress. it is the only way to respond to the ever more pressing challenges that we see looming in our society, on our contintent and in the world.
The guest curator of PACT is Alicja Gescinska. With the possibilistic ideas of the late VUB rector Caroline Pauwels in mind, and in collaboration with VUB scientists, she has created a varied programme for pupils, students, doctoral students and a socially engaged audience. In doing so, she inspires others to look at the world in an emancipatory way and to take control to create change.
"Just because it could be worse doesn't mean it shouldn't be better."
Programme
PACT School Tour
In the PACT School Tour, more than 140 respected VUB professors travel to Flemish schools and, through guest lectures, give pupils an insight into fascinating subjects where critical thinking and social engagement are central. Curator Alicja Gescinska also takes part, with a lecture on the meaning of freedom. She takes students on a philosophical quest to discover what freedom is both in theory and in practice.
This school tour is sold out.
Theatre monologue ‘Apate Spreekt’
On 10 January, pupils studying human sciences at Pitzemburg school in Mechelen will be treated to Apate Spreekt, a monologue by curator Alicja Gescinska on falsehood as a virtue. Simone Milsdochter performs the play and takes on the role of Apate, the goddess of lies. After the piece, Alicja and Simone will challenge the pupils to discuss lies versus the truth, good against evil. The show will then go on tour around Flemish schools. Spoken language is Dutch.
Honours Programme
Students can take part in the VUB Honours Programme, an extracurricular programme for exceptional students that this year focuses on the climate crisis. In the second semester, alongside curator Alicja Gescinska, they’ll explore the subject of ecocide and the large-scale damage or destruction of ecosystems.
Workshop: Student Speakers Corner
On 3 May, VUB and EHB students demonstrate their oratorial skills during the Student Speakers Corner. This traditionally takes place each year on World Press Freedom Day. In a gutsy and challenging speech that should make the audience think, our students give their views on a social or political issue. Professor Gustaaf Cornelis and curator Alicja Gescinska help the students to find their “moment of truth” from April.
From lab to reader: opinion pieces with impact
Curator Alicja Gescinska invites 10 VUB doctoral students to write an opinion piece together that gives them a voice as scientists. As an author and columnist, she understands better than anyone the importance of taking your place in the public debate and the impact you can have by doing so. VUB maths professor Ann Dooms, herself a columnist in De Tijd, joins in.
Difference Day
As a philosopher and author, Alicja Gescinska values free thought and expression highly. On 3 May 2024, International Press Freedom Day, she and VUB, ULB and numerous partners will reflect on the right to free speech during Difference Day.
Lecture series: where does our knowledge come from?
VUB professor Cornelis J Schilt goes in search of an answer to this question and invites renowned international scientists to participate in his lecture series Knowledge in International Perspective. One lecture takes us back to the Enlightenment, another plunges us into the history of medicine. Even AI doesn’t escape this thorough retrospective. Curator Alicja Gescinska speaks to these leading speakers.
Discover the lecture series 'Knowledge in International Perspective'