What are the risks of a failed imagination? And what does it mean for the imagination to fail? What conditions foster imagination, and in what environment does imagination wither? Philosophers have engaged with the question of imagination for thousands of years, often placing it as a structure somewhere between bodily sensations and intellectual thought. If … Continue reading Imagination Matters
What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 2 of 2)
In this second part of my essay (see the first part here), I focus on exploring the relational identity of philosophy in terms of philosophy’s social relevance and contributions. A number of recent articles have directly or indirectly addressed the question of philosophy’s identity. Some of the common themes that emerged include philosophy’s role … Continue reading What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 2 of 2)
What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 1 of 2)
What is philosophy? What are the mysterious people called ‘philosophers’ doing, and what is their role in human society? In this paper, I do not aim to answer these questions definitively. Instead, my goal is to explore the question itself. What do we mean when we ask what is philosophy and what is the role of philosophers? … Continue reading What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 1 of 2)
María Lugones on Intersectionality
Intersectionality makes visible what is obscured by thinking in separate categories. In her 2007 essay Heterosexualism and the Colonial / Modern Gender System, philosopher María Lugones writes: "Intersectionality reveals what is not seen when categories such as gender and race are conceptualized as separate from each other. The move to intersect the categories has been … Continue reading María Lugones on Intersectionality
Spreading the Word: Reading for Unfamiliar
When we read a text looking for what is familiar (feels safe) to us, we run the risk of missing that which can expand our worldviews. How can we approach the unfamiliar in our reading practice? What can we reveal by venturing into the overlooked, underexplored, and, admittedly, sometimes intimidating aspects of books we read? … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Reading for Unfamiliar
What Is Philosophy – Part 4 (Final)
Last week, I began discussing the ‘way’ of philosophy as part of my series of articles that follow a recently published academic paper by philosopher Kuzin Vasily*. If you missed it, I recommend you start with part one and then proceed to the next, one after another (it will make more sense that way). In … Continue reading What Is Philosophy – Part 4 (Final)
What Is Philosophy – Part 3
Last week, I wrote about ‘the way of art’, the second post in a series exploring the question ‘what is philosophy’. The series follows a recently published academic article by philosopher Kuzin Vasily*. In case you missed it, I recommend you start with part one and part two before continuing with this post (it will … Continue reading What Is Philosophy – Part 3
What Is Philosophy – Part 2
Last week, I introduced a series of posts exploring the question ‘what is philosophy’. It follows a recently published academic article of the same title by philosopher Kuzin Vasily*. In case you missed it, I recommend you start with part one before continuing with this post (it will make more sense that way). Here, in … Continue reading What Is Philosophy – Part 2
What Is Philosophy – Part 1
Many of us think we know what philosophy or art is. At least until we are asked to explain them. A universal, clear definition eludes us. That does not mean we should stop reflecting on it. On the contrary, it makes things more interesting! Earlier this year, one more contribution to the debate arrived in … Continue reading What Is Philosophy – Part 1
Spreading the Word: East-West Narrative
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
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