Noam Chomsky lectured at GCAS in September 2020.
“GCAS has the general, almost nomadic theme of research as a mode of movement and thinking. It’s an effort to re-search the possibility of moving through the surrounded economic, environmental, educational, artistic and political topology in order to introduce a counter model and insist on what can be done differently.” Ilya V. Abulkhanov (LA, California)
“In the year or so that I have been associated with GCAS I have been consistently impressed by the high level of academic discourse among a radically diverse collection of students and faculty. Unified around a timely and compelling ethos,our raison d'etre revolves around three key points: 1) academic freedom (a parting from institutional/neoliberal constraints) 2) affordable higher education and 3) a new model in which faculty and alumni own the institution.”
“But there is something more, a mysterious force among GCASians that goes beyond the above explanation. Here I have found what I can only call "education with a heart," a dynamic that makes GCAS feel more like a family than an institution.
Perhaps GCAS represents a return to the roots of academic tradition, to ancient ways of conjoining in respectful yet potent discourse. Or perhaps it is something entirely new, a necessary emergence in response to today's many crises. In any case, history is being made at GCAS, I feel, and I am glad to be a part of it.” — Mark Stimson, PhD Director of Education Development & Chair of the Sustainable Living Dept.
“The Global Center for Advanced Studies (GCAS) is a massive movement that unites common forces deprived of any illusions and ready to take matters into their own hands.
It is an experiment, initiated 5 years ago, and already brought to collaboration more than 10K people including the world's most well-known intellectuals, activists, artist, startapers and hackers (to list a few Alain Badiou, Antonio Negri, Luce Irigaray, Slavoj Zizek, Catherine Malabou, Jean-Luc Nancy, Bracha L. Ettinger, Jean-Luc Nancy).
Within the established terminological framework GCAS posits itself as an experimental advanced education, but really it’s so much more than this. It claims (while playing by the present rules) no less than to overthrow the dogmatic distinction on research, education, paid labor and leisure by establishing new before unthinkable ways of productive collaboration.” - Julie Reshe, PhD
“GCAS has found a way to return to the model of university learning -- guidance and tutelage of students by intellectuals and researchers in the fields they are pursuing -- without incurring long-time crippling debt for the costly frills of sports and campus-related social activities. “ Sandra Gangle, JD Retired Lawyer.
“I want to recall to all our students and faculty that what is important is to keep in mind the very essence of our school: not to accumulate some knowledge for finding a place in the world as it is, even if to know the world is useful and to find a place a necessity. But to learn what is true thinking for changing the world under the principles of equality and priority of the common good against the present dictatorship of private property and individual satisfaction.” —Alain Badiou
Jennifer Merrihue, (Los Angeles, California)
“It is impossible to capture the experience of being in Paris wondering the cobbled streets, chewing on the stimulating daily seminars. To be able to experience a philosophy, delivered straight from a philosopher who’s dedicated her whole life and reputation to developing an alternative approach our understanding of reality and the impact we can have on interpersonal social evolution was a overwhelming privilege. Mornings were filled with a tailored lecture from Luce Irigaray, easing us into each layer of her development and evenings were free space to explore both the cities delicious foods, inviting culture and endlessly fascinating people. All while we sat under the light of the setting moon and became part of the process of this philosophy’s understanding. Each person brought something different from their own understanding. Each evening adventure expanding our ability to explore and get lost in both philosophy, community and the poetic treasure that is Paris.” –Jennifer Merrihue, (Los Angeles, California)