Failure. Reversing the Genealogies of Unsuccess, 16th-19th Centuries
Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Arndt Brendecke
The Munich Research Center Foundations of Modernity is part of the Horizon 2020-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action RISE Project REFAIL on the topic of "Failure. Reversing the Genealogies of Unsuccess, 16th-19th Centuries". The project enables exchange between several European and American institutions (see list below).
Project abstract:
Failure is almost everywhere, and unsuccess is deeply embedded into stereotypes about regions, nations, business, gender and race. Failure to embrace crucial philosophical ideas and scientific breakthroughs is often considered a key factor to explain differential paths of development. And historical, long-term narratives add an additional layer to notions of failure. But while failure is conspicuously referred to in public debate, and in local and global politics, it nevertheless remains an obscure and elusive notion. How is it possible that a concept often used to relegate and marginalize individuals and whole communities is so ill defined? The dynamics between inclusiveness and the failure to integrate is a key social problem of our present, one with deep historical and philosophical roots. Discourses on failure are also present in many other aspects of contemporary societies, from the individual entrepreneur to ideas on international leadership. But quantitative approaches to development and integration need to be supplemented with critical awareness of the consequences of attributing failure to groups, individuals or even nations. Inclusiveness, and integration in all social institutions are challenges that demand reassessing the criteria used to identify failure. At the same time, it is necessary to promote a clear understanding of the temporary nature of failure and the possibilities of reversing and challenging failures. While failure is a heavy and paralyzing category, a concept crafted to perpetuate colonial dominion and legitimize inequalities, positive psychology, engineering and philosophy among other disciplines have pointed to several positive aspects of failure and recovery. This project aims to foster widespread reflection on the topic and to provide critical tools for schools, associations and community structures to analyse and revert (auto)imposed and external narratives of failure.
Participating Institution
European Institutions
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain, Coordinator)
- Casa de Velázquez (Madrid, Spain)
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa - (Lisbon, Portugal)
- École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris, France)
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/Research Centre Foundations of Modernity (Munich, Germany)
American Institutions
- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, USA)
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (Santiago de Chile, Chile)
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (Lima, Peru)
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexiko-City, Mexiko)
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (Mar del Plata, Argentina)
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (Niterói, Brasil)
Please consult the project's website for further information: http://failure.es/