We live in an increasingly digital world where the race for our attention is growing ever faster. Messages, notifications, updates, comments, and on and on and on the eternal scroll goes. This environment influences us even when we don't realise it. Distraction happens also when I do not pick up my phone to check the … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Deep Reading in the Digital Age
What Is A Good Book? Philosophical Response
What do we mean when we evaluate a book as good or bad? Let's take a philosophical look at it.
Spreading the Word: No Such Thing as Absolute Clarity
Many of us are taught at school that we should know the right answers, that that is a sign of knowledge. As children grow, they learn that society expects certain things of them and that those are the right things. Right answers, right behaviour, right thoughts. And the opposite is, of course, wrong. This approach … Continue reading Spreading the Word: No Such Thing as Absolute Clarity
How to Understand Human Sociality?
Humans are social beings. We all have experienced the importance of feeling part of a group, relating to others, being with others, not just next to each other. But how should we go about understanding our own sociality? Where does it begin, and what is its foundation? What is more fundamental - recognising the individual differences between … Continue reading How to Understand Human Sociality?
Spreading the Word: Burnout Society
Where do hyperattention, hyper-productivity, and promoting constant personal improvement lead? To a burnout society, according to contemporary philosopher Byung-Chul Han. In this short video, professor Ellie Anderson discusses Han's book and some of the ideas he develops in it: The Burnout Society. Enjoy! Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, I hope to share an … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Burnout Society
No Hospitality Without Borders?
In a fascinating exploration of hospitality, philosopher Jacques Derrida, founder of "deconstruction", noted that, paradoxically, hospitality requires clear boundaries between the private and the public. For me to be able to exercise hospitality towards a guest, I need to feel that the integrity of my private sphere, my "at home" where I choose to welcome … Continue reading No Hospitality Without Borders?
Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
We all have experienced waiting. But could waiting be in danger of dying out as a phenomenon? Many of us do not like the feelings associated with waiting - the slow passing of time, the uncertainty, the sense of being stuck in some misty limbo land with no clear path in sight. So we try … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
From Going East to Becoming The East
"There are multiple horizons depending on one's point of view. There might be what is east of you, but also the east side of the city where you live, or the eastern side of the country. But somebody's "east" becomes "the East", as one side of the globe. "What is east (of me/us)" becomes "the … Continue reading From Going East to Becoming The East
Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
Managing one's own emotions and those of others is a form of labour. Some people get paid for this work (e.g., flight attendants). However, often the effort that goes into becoming an emotional management expert goes unnoticed and stays in the invisible background of what appear to be naturally flowing relationships. But what about another … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
The Relational Self
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