Jan’s research interests include phenomenological hermeneutics, philosophy of dialogue, the body–mind relationship and methodological issues of art research. His critical perspective unites philosophy, ethics, anthropology and aesthetics. The methodological approach he promotes links first- and third-person methods so as to bridge the gap between the sciences and criticism, naturalism and social constructivism. In his work as a teacher he wants to spur the students of dramatic art towards a better understanding of contemporary cultural issues and to develop their facility for dialogue and understanding.
Following the new cognitive turn towards embodied mind, Jan vigorously opposes the supremacy of structuralism in theatre and film studies. He construes the de-embodied informational paradigm as a manifestation of a rift between nature and culture (Bruno Latour). The critique serves him as an instrument for the deconstruction of modern aesthetics which replicates the nature/culture dualism. Jan understands artwork as a situation representing embodied human existence forming a foundation for both interpersonal and intercultural dialogue.
Jan graduated from religious studies at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. During his academic training he was introduced to cultural and cognitive anthropology, while also attending classes on aesthetics and philosophy at the same faculty. At Janáček Academy for Music and Performing Arts (JAMU) he studied scriptwriting and dramaturgy and in 2012 he was awarded a doctor’s degree in dramatic arts. His doctoral thesis analysed hermeneutics of historicity in essay films.
Jan currently works at JAMU, while simultaneously teaching ethics at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University. He published several articles in philosophical and art journals and also authored monographs on documentary film and theatre (Hermeneutics of historicity in essay film: Karel Vachek and Chris Marker. JAMU, 2013; The Beauty in Documentary Film. Masaryk University Press, 2014; The Existential Theatre of Daydreaming. JAMU, 2016). Jan’s latest book sums up his theory of art, presenting artwork as an instrument for dialogue (Dialogue Through Art. JAMU, 2016).
As a contributing opinion writer he regularly comments on current public issues on the radio and other media; as an activist he frequently delivers public lectures and leads workshops.
You can follow Jan on Twitter, LinkedIn and ResearchGate.
