The Randstad, Netherlands
Teaching basic concepts of theories and research on aging, such as time, (sub)cohorts, cross- sectional and longitudinal studies, (compassionate) ageism. But also about actual developments and discussions about aging, generations and social policies; especially retirement policies. Courses on biological, psychological, historical and ethical aspects and theories of aging. Publication of several books and articles about aging studies, beginnig with my Inaugural Lecture 'Ouder worden en de fragiliteit van de intermenselijke conditie' (2002). Dutch Books such as 'De Kunst van het Ouder Worden. De Grote Filosofen over Ouderdom' (with Joep Dohmen, 8th imprint 2015); 'Het Nieuwe Ouder Worden. Perspectieven en paradoxen van leven in de tijd' (3rd imprint 2013). English books include 'Aging and the Art of Living' Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012; 'Ageing, Meaning, and Social Structure: Connecting Critical and Humanistic Gerontology', edited with Joep Dohmen, Amanda Grenier and Chris Phillipson, Policy Press / University of Chicago Press, 2013. 'Aging, Globalization and Inequality: the New Critical Gerontology', edited with Dale Dannefer, Chris Phillipson and Alan Walker, Baywood 2006.Baars, and 'Aging and Time: Multidisciplinary Perspectives', edited with Henk Visser, Baywood 2007. In 2012 organization of a Non-Retirement Symposium - at the occasion of my mandatory retirement at the age of 65 years. For more publications and scientific work, see my CV at www.janbaars.nl (copy in your browser)
Subjects of Research and Teaching: Critical Theory of Society (Horkheimer, Adorno, Habermas) Post-Structuralism (Foucault) Theories of Social Justice (Rawls, Sen, Nussbaum) Justice and Recognition (Hegel, Honneth) Theories of Time (From Aristotle to contemporary theories) Philosophy of Narrative (Ricoeur)
Teaching the History of Sociological Theory and its philosophical foundations. Especially Hegel's Philosophy of Right and the young Hegelians. Marx and neo-Marxism, especially the early Frankfurt School and later representatives of Critical Theory such as Habermas, Wellmer, Offe and Honneth. Organization with Al Gouldner of the "Amsterdam Festival of the Social Sciences"; a two-week festival with lectures by Umberto Eco, Niklas Luhmann, Julia Kristeva, Erving Goffman, Shlomo Avineri, Alvin Gouldner, Mary Douglas and others. Corresponding editor of 'Theory and Society'. Organizing with students a 3 day conference on 'Theory and Praxis in Sociological Theory' with Al Gouldner, Claus Offe, Niklas Luhmann, Alfred Schmidt, Thomas Luckman (november 1975). Teaching of Critical Theory and phenomenology - later also Michell Foucault, Lyotard, Writing about Adorno's theory of Society, especially 'Dialectic of Enlightement' and 'Negative Dialectics'. Since 1985 teaching and publishing about basic concepts of aging studies.