In this week’s “Spreading the Word”, I share with you 2 videos on philosophy of communication. The first one is a useful short introduction into the main thoughts of a 20th century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein about language and the meaning it is used to convey. I recommend you watch this video first and then proceed to the second one (it will help set the context).

The second video – about 40 minutes long – is a presentation given by Michael O ́Rourke (Professor of Philosophy, MSU Center for Interdisciplinarity, Michigan State University). This presentation was given at a symposium on interdisciplinarity at Lund University (Sweden) in 2018. The professor presents his and his research team`s work on how philosophy can be used to facilitate interdisciplinary communication. A highly important topic, in my view, that will become more and more relevant in an increasingly connected – while still diverse – world. I think that anyone who has ever been part of an international, multicultural team has experienced the challenges to smooth communication inherent in such environment. By the way, the second part of the video is devoted to a Q&A session with the audience (academics and researchers from different disciplines). Stick to that part – it will be interesting.

“Value-free science – is there such a thing?”

From the 2nd video, link below

Enjoy!

Link to the 1st video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ33gAyhg2c

Link to the 2nd video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O5nzB5EX8I

Keeping up the new “Spreading the Word” tradition, every Thursday I hope to share with you an article I’ve read or a video I’ve seen and considered it to be inspiring or enlightening. Especially now, during our uncertain times, I feel it is important to take good care not just of our physical but also of our mental well-being. Humans have always turned to storytelling when everything else fails. My Thursdays’ “Spreading the Word” articles are an online version of sharing worthwhile stories.

keep exploring and storytelling!