If we were to set out to write a history of the concept of truth, whatever that may be, we would inevitably find that it is closely followed by its most faithful shadow. We could call it a lie, but what if instead we were to propose that this "shadow of truth" is perhaps not a direct opposite of truth, as the lie tends to be defined, but rather an imitation of it – an imitation that seeks to usurp the place of truth and to present itself as such in one way or another.

In the seminar we will discuss the notion of trickery in relation to one of the most notorious figures that are described to wield its power – the figure of the Devil – whose deceitfulness seems to be best displayed in all its splendour through a contractual relationship with the one who perhaps naively thinks it is possible to make a deal with it.

Marisa Žele, PhD, is a research assistant at the Institute of Philosophy, ZRC SAZU. Her research focuses on the historical and epistemological conditions of ideas, which she considers the centre of her studies, within their respective histories and their relation to philosophy. Her main areas of research are epistemology, history of ideas, post-structuralism and theoretical psychoanalysis.

About the Seminar Series

Formerly under the umbrella of Lund’s research platform on Christianity and Nationalism, the seminar series on populism and religion is now organized by the Lund University-based research project Beyond Truth and Lies: Conspiracy Theories, Post-Truth, and the Conditions of Public Debate. The series focuses on the theoretical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of populism, with special attention to how conspiracy theories intersect with populism.

Certain conceptions of politics – including political community, political processes, and political decision-making – characterize typical formulations of populist thought. A fundamental conviction of this seminar series is that we must investigate these conceptions if we want to engage in dialogue that goes beyond plain-sense descriptions of, or explanations for, facts, and which deeply addresses questions about how society is – and ought to be – organized. Conspiracy theories – including corresponding elements of culture that shape and are shaped by conspiracy theories – have become increasingly more public in their significance on politics, political decisions, and political movements. We welcome to our seminars a range of intellectually interested parties to discuss these matters, including senior and junior scholars, doctoral students, and beginners.

Seminars are in English, unless otherwise specified. Seminars are open to the public; you may attend by joining on Zoom.