The idea that there are inherent differences in how people think between the Western and Eastern cultures is widespread and popular. However, as recent research in cross-cultural psychology clearly shows, it is also a sweeping oversimplification. In the words of one of the researchers, "We are much more diverse – but, at the same time, … Continue reading Spreading the Word: East-West Narrative
Spreading the Word: Enter Animal Dreamworld
If we think that our dreamworlds are strange and incomprehensible, what can we say about the dreams of other, non-human animals? There is some fascinating research done in this area. It can give us a glimpse of the richness and variety of perceptions that are beyond our wildest dreams (pun intended). Have a look at … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Enter Animal Dreamworld
Spreading the Word: Emotional Decomposition
Let's do a thought experiment. What would happen if we interpreted our emotional, existential, identity crises as analogous to the physical and chemical process of decomposition? Could the rawness of our emotions and thoughts during these times be viewed as the raw material that we will eventually process into a new, transformed self? Today I … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Emotional Decomposition
Spreading the Word: Anger and Female Rage
Assertive self-expression, anger, rage, and various forms of roughness are traditionally associated with maleness. Even if they scare us or make us uncomfortable, they are perceived and experienced as masculine qualities. It is so deeply rooted in so many cultures that we do not notice its presence. To test it, see what comes to your … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Anger and Female Rage
Spreading the Word: Living in a Body
Can a walk be a dangerous thing? What can our bodies do? What do they do? These and other questions come up in the discussion between philosopher Judith Butler and writer, artist and activist Sunaura Taylor as they take a stroll through San Francisco, captured in a short video. In the case of this particular … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Living in a Body
Spreading the Word: Philosophy and Travel
What do philosophy and travel have in common? For one thing - venturing into the unknown. Seeking it out even. In a word (or two) - human curiosity. In the short article I share with you today, philosophy professor Emily Thomas offers a glimpse into the "quiet love affair" that philosophy and travel have enjoyed … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Philosophy and Travel
Spreading the Word: Embodied Time Perception
The way we experience time is subjective. Philosophers, especially phenomenologists, have recognised and offered their accounts of it at least from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Our experience of time or the "lived-time" remains one of the fascinating directions of philosophical exploration. For example, in this article, the author suggests how the idea … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Embodied Time Perception
Spreading the Word: Lifestyle of Doing Nothing
Have you ever wished just to do nothing for a while? Relax, have nowhere to be, nothing to attend to, no obligations, no responsibilities - at least for a day or two. To some, this sounds like a dream vacation or a state of inner peace worth cultivating. To others, it is the epitome of … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Lifestyle of Doing Nothing
Spreading the Word: What Is an Intellectual?
What does it mean to be an intellectual? What is it like to feel oneself an intellectual? Is it a public role or a more private, secluded vocation, a contemplative and quiet way of life? While 100 years ago the Dominican preacher and philosopher Antonin-Gilbert Sertillanges emphasized the need for solitude (although, not isolation) if … Continue reading Spreading the Word: What Is an Intellectual?
Spreading the Word: Longest Art Gallery
Are we ready to prioritise cultural heritage over commercial interest? It is a question of values. More specifically - it is a matter of deciding how to resolve a clash between an intrinsic and instrumental value. Pondering this may reveal the values we live by, perhaps without fully recognising them. In today's post, I share … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Longest Art Gallery
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