WALKING IN THOUGHT

facilitated by Dr. Monica Mikhail and Jared Brunner

What does the act of walking make possible for our thinking? How can walking serve as a form of engagement with cultural and philosophical ideas? In this two week seminar, we will discuss the physical and intellectual task of walking described in Francis Petrarch’s “The Ascent of Mount Ventoux” and Michel de Certeau’s “Walking in the City.” Through these readings, we will consider how a philosophy of walking can further our thinking about ideas, our environment, and ourselves. 

Weather permitting, we will discuss these readings while walking in the Berkeley area. Locations to be announced.

This two-session seminar is open to students and recent graduates (within 3 years of graduation). RSVP is required.

PDFs of the short readings will be sent to participants.

Date: Saturdays, April 5 and 26, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Session 1 Location: César Chávez Park, weather permitting
*meet at the Berkeley Institute at 9:45AM for a ride to the César Chávez Park
Required Reading: Francis Petrarch’s “The Ascent of Mount Ventoux” (4 pages)

Session 2 Location: Sather Tower, weather permitting
Required Reading: excerpt of Michel de Certeau’s “Walking in the City” (9 pages)