In this philosophical study, Dmitri Nikulin explores the concept's genealogy to argue that boredom is the mark of modernity. Considering such thinkers as Descartes, Pascal, Kant, Kierkegaard, Kracauer, Heidegger, and Benjamin, Critique of Bored Reason places boredom on center stage in the philosophical critique of modernity.
Exploring the concept of humanity, the book delves into its theoretical, practical, and productive dimensions while firmly grounding these discussions in historical, social, and political contexts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding human existence through the lens of concrete circumstances rather than abstract theories, offering a nuanced perspective on what it means to be human in a complex world.
Exploring the philosophical foundations of dialogue, Dmitri Nikulin asserts that it is essential to human existence rather than merely a means of communication. Drawing on the ideas of Plato and modern thinkers like Bakhtin and Gadamer, he systematically examines the significance of dialogue in philosophy, literature, and oral discourse, highlighting its fundamental role in shaping human relationships and understanding.