19. The Human Quest to Live in a Cosmos

2020 ◽  
pp. 217-228
Author(s):  
Heather Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Subjectivity ◽  
The Universe

This chapter reflects on the enduring quest of human beings to inhabit and understand the universe. Weaving together an account of the exterior (objective) and interior (subjective) facets of the cosmos, Heather Eaton finds the unique qualities of human subjectivity in symbolic consciousness and in the worldviews, narratives, and other systems of symbols through which humans interpret and respond to their surroundings. Along with symbols and narratives, learning about ecology involves attention to systems and interrelationships at multiple scales, from ecosystems to the biosphere.

A Rapture of the Nerds? A Comparison between Transhumanist Eschatology and Christian Parousia

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-367
Author(s):  
Roberto Paura
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Point Theory ◽  
The Body ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Species ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Universe

Transhumanism is one of the main “ideologies of the future” that has emerged in recent decades. Its program for the enhancement of the human species during this century pursues the ultimate goal of immortality, through the creation of human brain emulations. Therefore, transhumanism offers its fol- lowers an explicit eschatology, a vision of the ultimate future of our civilization that in some cases coincides with the ultimate future of the universe, as in Frank Tipler’s Omega Point theory. The essay aims to analyze the points of comparison and opposition between transhumanist and Christian eschatologies, in particular considering the “incarnationist” view of Parousia. After an introduction concern- ing the problems posed by new scientific and cosmological theories to traditional Christian eschatology, causing the debate between “incarnationists” and “escha- tologists,” the article analyzes the transhumanist idea of mind-uploading through the possibility of making emulations of the human brain and perfect simulations of the reality we live in. In the last section the problems raised by these theories are analyzed from the point of Christian theology, in particular the proposal of a transhuman species through the emulation of the body and mind of human beings. The possibility of a transhumanist eschatology in line with the incarnationist view of Parousia is refused.

Human Double Embeddedness

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Marandiuc
Keyword(s):  
Charles Taylor ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Recognition ◽  
Authentic Self ◽  
Human Subjectivity

The chapter proposes that human beings are conditioned by a double embeddedness: humans are immersed in inescapable frameworks of meaning and shaped by relationships of significance. In dialogue with Charles Taylor, the chapter discusses how these two elements are constitutive features of human subjectivity and how they relate to each other. In order to operate, subjectivity needs a horizon of meaning, which accrues in relationships of attachment that, in turn, thrive under the canopy of common meaning. After discussing the specificity of one such framework, the culture of authenticity, the chapter delves more deeply into one of its paradoxical dimensions: recognition. It is shown how human recognition from loving others is an ineliminable trait for an authentic self, the implication of which is that relationships of significance constitute relational homes that “house” the human self as it grows and flourishes and as it heals when broken.

Human sensitivity towards nature: Eastern and Western perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne K. Randerson
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Basic Difference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
True Value ◽  
Human Situation ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Universe

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the religious and philosophical ways humans view nature, and how we perceive and treat our planet, including all its living entities. Its purpose is to make a positive influence on individuals living in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, so that those who are unaware may be given an unexpected glimpse at our current human situation, which appears increasingly discouraging with regard to sensitivity towards nature. Design/methodology/approach – By offering a subtle, insightful view of human nature and its connection to religion and the universe, rather than facts and statistics on pollution alone, this conceptual paper introduces theoretical and philosophical discussions from comparative literature as well as narratives from actual interviews conducted in Japan. Findings – As human beings, we need to better define our position in this world, in order to learn to appreciate the true value of our own existence. With regard to the question of where humans lie in nature, a basic difference exists between Asian and Western views. The Asian view of nature has traditionally regarded humans and the universe as continually interacting together – human beings are an integral part of life. This differs from the basic Western notion of humans and nature comprising two separate, opposing elements. Originality/value – This paper offers readers a deeper understanding of how humans feel and perceive nature, to help them realize how urgent it is for us to respect our natural resources on Earth.

The avant-garde’s visual arts in the context of Santayana’s idea of vital liberty

Human Affairs ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Skowroński
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Visual Arts ◽  
The Other ◽  
Political Life ◽  
The Political ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Political Dimension ◽  
Avant Garde ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The Universe

AbstractIn the present paper, the author looks at the political dimension of some trends in the visual arts within twentieth-century avant-garde groups (cubism, expressionism, fauvism, Dada, abstractionism, surrealism) through George Santayana’s idea of vital liberty. Santayana accused the avant-gardists of social and political escapism, and of becoming unintentionally involved in secondary issues. In his view, the emphasis they placed on the medium (or diverse media) and on treating it as an aim in itself, not, as it should be, as a transmitter through which a stimulating relationship with the environment can be had, was accompanied by a focus on fragments of life and on parts of existence, and, on the other hand, by a de facto rejection of ontology and cosmology as being crucial to understanding life and the place of human beings in the universe. The avant-gardists became involved in political life by responding excessively to the events of the time, instead of to the everlasting problems that are the human lot.

Education as Arikara Spiritual Renewal and Cultural Evolution

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
KuuNUx TeeRIt Kroupa
Keyword(s):  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Old People ◽  
New Beginning ◽  
The People ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Universe

In May 2009, the Arikara returned to the land of their ancestors along the Missouri River in South Dakota. For the first time in more than a half century, a Medicine Lodge was built for ceremony. The lodge has returned from its dormant state to regain its permanent place in Arikara culture. This event will be remembered as a significant moment in the history of the Arikara because it symbolizes a new beginning and hope for the people. Following this historic event, Arikara spiritual leader Jasper Young Bear offered to share his experience and deep insight into Arikara thought: You have to know that the universe is the Creator's dream, the Creator's mind, everything from the stars all the way to the deepest part of the ocean, to the most microscopic particle of the creation, to the creation itself, on a macro level, on a micro level. You have to understand all of those aspects to understand what the lodge represents. The lodge is a fractal, a symbolic representation of the universe itself. How do we as human beings try to make sense of that? That understanding, of how the power in the universe flows, was gifted to us through millennia of prayer and cultural development… It is important for us to internalize our stories, internalize the star knowledge, internalize those things and make that your way, make that your belief, because we're going to play it out inside the lodge. It only lives by us guys interacting with it and praying with it and bringing it to life… We're going to play out the wise sayings of the old people… So you see that it's an Arikara worldview. A learning process of how the universe functions is what you're actually experiencing [inside the Medicine Lodge]. What the old people were describing was the functioning of how we believed the universe behaves. And we had a deep, deep understanding of what that meant and how it was for us. So that's what you're actually seeing in the Medicine Lodge.

scholarly journals GENETINIS DISKURSAS MEDIJŲ KULTŪROJE: GUNDYMAS PREKINIU NEMIRTINGUMU

Problemos ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 76 ◽  
pp. 52-65
Author(s):  
Vytautas Rubavičius
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Private Property ◽  
World View ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Media Culture ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Proper Form ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Universe

Straipsnyje grindžiama nuomonė, jog postmodernybė yra iš modernybės kylantis kapitalizmo sistemos būvis, kuriam būdinga gyvybės suprekinimas ir suišteklinimas. Postmodernybę charakterizuoja populiariosios ir medijų kultūros išplitimas. Tos kultūros apima ne tik kultūros prekes, bet ir vartojimo būdus, įgūdžius ir jų lavinimą. Pastaruoju metu jos kuria nemirtingumo vaizdiniams bei nuojautoms palankią kultūrinę, intelektinę ir pasaulėvaizdinę terpę, kurioje struktūriškai įsitvirtina genetinis diskursas ir jo nustatomos žmogaus ir jo gyvenamo pasaulio aiškinimo gairės. Svarbus šio diskurso bruožas yra technologinis inžinerinis jo pobūdis, išryškėjęs susiejant nano ir biotechnologijas, kuriomis tikimasi įveikti gyvąją ir negyvąją gamtą skiriančią prarają, iš reikalingų atomų bei molekulių kuriant reikalingų ląstelių dalis ir klonuojant gyvas būtybes. Gyvybė suprekinama ir suišteklinama patentuojant gyvybės elementus – genus ir su jais susijusius procesus. Daroma išvada, jog visi genetikos, informatikos ir kitų mokslų laimėjimai, teikiantys žmogaus gyvenimo ilginimo galimybių, kurios palaiko gundančią nemirtingumo idėją, jau yra persmelkti prekinių santykių, tad ir pats nemirtingumas įmanomas tik kaip prekė. Aptariami kai kurie evoliuciniai ir religiniai techno sapiens sampratos aspektai. Detaliau gvildenamos dvi „nemirtingumo“ versijos: Z. Baumano, kuris nemirtingumo pažadą sieja su kompiuterinės technikos plėtra prasidėjus „Antrajai medijų erai“, ir J. Baudrillard’o, tegiančio, jog klonavimo technologijos „apgręžia“ evoliuciją ir žmogų gundo virusiniu ar vėžiniu belyčiu nemirtingumu.Pagrindiniai žodžiai: genetinis diskursas, klonavimas, medijų kultūra, nanobiotechnologijos, nemirtingumas, suprekinimas.Genetic Discourse in Media Culture: Temptation by Commodified ImmoralityVytautas Rubavičius   SummaryPostmodernity is maintained as a stage of the development of capitalism. The difference between modernity and postmodernity is explained in relation to the new sphere of commodification and resourcification, namely, that of life and of all natural living processes. Postmodern media culture, or popular culture, is peopled by signs of immortality and various kinds of immortals – cyborgs, clones, zombies, immortal human beings and others. Thus, culture accustoms a consumer to immortals and immortality which is concidered as the main goal of a human being and evolution. By nano-bio-technologies and genetic discourse this goal is made scientifically valid, thus reachable. Genetic discourse is becoming the fundamental world-view providing focal landmarks for the emerging future. Media culture supports the spreading of genetic discourse and facilitates its understanding. The temptation by immortality can be considered as a version of modernist ideology of human liberation from various natural, social and heavenly bonds. This liberation, and also secularization, is supported by a scientific genetic technological discourse which is becoming a stimulating factor of postmodern media production. The genetic explanation of the world is particularly handy for technological reflexivity: the entire world is as if encapsulated into human genes, which become the principle explaining the mystery of life, evolution and the future of humanity, thus rendering power to produce the human proper form and the future of people. All the possibilities stemming from the new genetic and biotech discoveries fell under the regulation of property relations by patenting, thus making “immortality” – as a temptation and brand – not only an exeptional commodity, but also a political tool and a commodifying force. As the relationships of private property have penetrated natural biogenetic diversity and, having turned it into a resource, the cognitive subject has reached the goal to secularise the Universe, which he has set for himself: only he as the owner and producer of genes lures people with the eternal shapes of the clones and their genetic information, which will be sustained in any location of the Universe. The temptation by “immortality” will become even stronger when the genetic code is mastered. The future of humanity is related to the mixed forms of life, trans-genic or otherwise genetically modified organisms and techno-human forms that will help to postpone, and later to conquer, death. Even thinkers with religious tendencies perceive the technological improvement of human beings as their evolution towards the techno sapiens and consider such a development as an advancement towards the Kingdom of God. The technologization of human beings is imagined in terms of their divination. Yet in this case the character of contemporary science secularising God and obliterating the perception of divinity is overlooked. Two versions of immortality are analyzed more closely – that of Z. Bauman, who links it with the development of computer technologies, and that of J. Baudrillard, who gives a warning that by cloning technologies humanity is trying to inverse the evolution and to return to the undifferentiated state of cells. The conclusion is drawn that regardless of how we understand ‘immortality,’ argue over its reality or unreality, all possibilities to prolong human life granted by genetics, informatics and other advances in science and technologies, which support the tempting idea of immortality, have already been penetrated by commodity relationships; therefore, “immortality” itself will be available only as a commodity.Keywords: cloning, commodification, genetic discourse, immortality, media culture, nano-bio-technologies.

scholarly journals Teologi Posmodern: Menimbang Konsep Naturalisme-Teistik

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Ghozi Ghozi
Keyword(s):  
Modern Science ◽  
Direct Influence ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Islamic Theology ◽  
Indirect Influence ◽  
Postmodern Theology ◽  
External Dimension ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Universe

<p>This article will briefly discuss the problems of postmodern theology in the context of the relationship between God and nature. In this case, the author brings the conception of theistic naturalism in the view of classical theology of Islam. Theological conception of postmodernism (theistic naturalism) can be useful contributions to the refreshment of Islamic theology, particularly in the case <em>a</em><em>f</em><em>‘</em><em>â</em><em>l</em><em> </em><em>al</em><em>-</em><em>‘</em><em>ibâd</em> and its derivation. The concept of direct influence and indirect influence may help explain the intervention of God toward human beings without denying the law of causality, as the law that becomes standard of modern science. Nevertheless there are some things that need to be considered in this concept: <em>Firstly</em>, God is only the spirit of the universe, God has entrusted His power to the nature, and all the events occurred due to the co-creativity of God and nature. <em>Secondly</em>, God has no a direct influence on the external dimension, rather He is merely a Spirit of things who has influence on inner dimension.</p>

scholarly journals Human Fetal Development And The Ways Of Asthabrata As An Idea In The Creation Of Sinjang Batik Tulis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-106
Author(s):  
Danang Priyanto ◽  
FP Sri Wuryani
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Development Stages ◽  
The Sublime ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Human Fetal Development ◽  
Full Protection

Human beings which are wired as leaders should live based on the practice of transcendent value and total clarity on noble deeds. It functions as a guideline in living to avoid the crisis of morality that often occurs today. One of the values in this leadershipquality is the teaching of asthabrata containing the noble deeds of a leader who symbolized in the elements of the universe: the fire, the ground, the water, the air, the moon, the clouds, the sun, and the stars. The stage of human fetal development occurs from the age of one to nine months. These stages, along with the teachings of asthabrata become the base of an idea in the creation of batik art. The idea comes from the question of how to process the development stages of human fetal and ways of asthabrata as a base on creating the batik artwork which conveys sublime values about leadership. The purpose of this batik artwork creation are:incorporating the concept of human fetal development as part of human life cycle with the tradition of batik; Conveying the sublime sublime of leadership based on the asthabrata which refers to human nature as a natural born leader. The creation processcovering the method of design exploration, design process, and batik as a result of design by establishing the combination ofhuman fetal development and the asthabrata. The result shows nine sinjang batik tulis artworks, covering; Hamasesa Tan Pilih Warna (manage without seeing the color), Sukci (sacred), Hanguripi Sagung Dumadi (give strength to all life), Girise Kang Samya Miyat (be who you want to see), Sorota Hayem Angayomi (make peaceful and full protection), Jembar Tanpa Pagut(sincerity without limit), Muntir Tan Ana Pedhote (infinite rotation), Panengeraning Keblad (signpost), and Ngudi Kasampurnan(sharpening perfection). 

scholarly journals IMPLIKASI RELASI EKSPLORATIF (ALAQAH AL-TASKHIR) DALAM PENDIDIKAN ISLAM: TELAAH FILOSOFIS ATAS PEMIKIRAN MAJID IRSAN AL-KILANI

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (02) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Rahendra Maya
Keyword(s):  
Islamic Education ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
The Universe

AbstractThis article examines Makhjid 'Irsân Al-Kîlânî perspective on explorative relationships between human beings as servants of Allah S.W.T. with the universe or the universe that surrounds and is around them ('alâqah al-taskhîr,' alâqah baina al-insân wa al-kaun); in a frame of worship to Him ('alâqah al-'ibâdah,' alâqah baina al-insân wa Al-Khâliq). The original and pithy thought of Al-Kîlânî is primarily derived from his work entitled Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah Philosophy: Dirâsah Muqâranah baina Falsafah Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah wa Al-Falsafât Al-Tarbawiyyah Al-Mu'âshirah and Ahdâf Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah fî Tarbiyah Al-Fard wa Ikhrâj Al-Ummah wa Tanmiyah Al-Ukhuwwah Al-Insâniyyah supported by several other educational works. The explorative relation ('alâqah al-taskhîr) described by Al-Kîlânî is, among other things, related to the nature of al-taskhîr, the essential objective of al-taskhîr, al-taskhîr objectivity, and the implications of al-taskhîr relations.Keyword: al-taskhîr, 'alâqah al-taskhîr, philosophical, Islamic education.   AbstraksiArtikel ini mengkaji perspektif Mâjid ’Irsân Al-Kîlânî tentang relasi eksploratif antara manusia sebagai hamba Allah S.W.T. dengan alam semesta atau jagat raya yang melingkupi dan ada di sekitar mereka (’alâqah al-taskhîr, ’alâqah baina al-insân wa al-kaun); dalam bingkai peribadatan kepada-Nya (’alâqah al-’ibâdah, ’alâqah baina al-insân wa Al-Khâliq). Pemikiran orisinil dan bernas dari Al-Kîlânî tersebut utamanya berasal dari karyanya yang berjudul Falsafah Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah: Dirâsah Muqâranah baina Falsafah Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah wa Al-Falsafât Al-Tarbawiyyah Al-Mu’âshirah dan Ahdâf Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islâmiyyah fî Tarbiyah Al-Fard wa Ikhrâj Al-Ummah wa Tanmiyah Al-Ukhuwwah Al-Insâniyyah dengan didukung beberapa karya edukatifnya yang lain. Relasi eksploratif (’alâqah al-taskhîr) yang dideskripsikan Al-Kîlânî antara lain berkaitan dengan hakikat al-taskhîr, tujuan esensial al-taskhîr, objektifitas al-taskhîr, dan implikasi relasi al-taskhîr.Keyword: al-taskhîr, ’alâqah al-taskhîr, filosofis, pendidikan Islam.

scholarly journals NILAI-NILAI PSIKOLOGI PENDIDIKAN DALAM AL-QUR’AN

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Moh. Irmawan Jauhari ◽  
M. Luqman Hakim
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Modern Humans ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Complex Problems ◽  
Psychological Balance ◽  
The Universe

Humans in the era of globalization have a level of mental vulnerability that is easily cracked and destroyed. Too much competition and the influence of information technology presents more complex problems. It is not uncommon for modern humans to flee to actions that are detrimental to themselves and society. Because they feel that their psychological burden is so heavy and cannot be borne by themselves. The Qur'an provides an understanding of human beings complete with their potential. In this case, also includes the psychological potential given by God so that humans are able to manage the universe. Understanding of the psychic potential of humans is important so that humans do not always hunt for what appears, but also provide inner satisfaction so that physical and psychological balance occurs. AbstrakManusia dalam era globalisasi memiliki tingkat kerentanan jiwa yang mudah retak dan hancur. Persaingan yang sedemikian hebat serta pengaruh teknologi informatika menghadirkan persoalan yang lebih kompleks. Tidak jarang kemudian manusia modern melarikan diri kepada perbuatan-perbuatan yang justru merugikan dirinya sendiri serta masyarakat. Sebab mereka merasa bahwa apa yang menjadi beban psikisnya sedemikian berat dan tidak bisa ditanggung sendiri. Al-Qur’an memberikan pemahaman mengenai manusia lengkap dengan potensi yang dimiliki. Dalam hal ini juga termasuk potensi psikis yang diberikan Allah agar manusia mampu mengelola alam semesta. Pemahaman potensi psikis manusia ini penting agar manusia tidak selalu memburu apa yang nampak, akan tetapi juga memberikan kepuasan batin agar terjadi keseimbangan jasmani dan psikisnya.

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