The casting of a man of South Asian descent as Isaac Newton in Doctor Who has sparked significant debate and reaction.[i] Some view this as a positive example of colour-blind casting, reflecting a more diverse and inclusive approach to storytelling. However, others have criticised the decision, citing concerns about historical accuracy and the portrayal of […]
The primary objective of this set of notes is to provide a critical examination of ‘the Other’, not only as a theoretical construct, but also as a practical tool in shaping social interactions and communications. It’s helpful, where possible, to unravel the complexities of this concept, which has been pivotal in understanding identity formation, power […]
Aristotle defined ethics as the study of the nature of human well-being and the virtues that are central to a well-lived life, such as justice, courage, and temperance. He emphasised the practical importance of developing excellence of character, or virtue, as the way to achieve excellent conduct.[i] According to Aristotle, virtues are character dispositions or […]
In mythology, Hermes and Mercury stand out for their roles as messengers in the Greek and Roman pantheons. These figures are more than divine couriers. They represent a connection between the mortal and the divine. Carl Jung saw such mythological symbols as key to understanding the human psyche’s deeper layers. Both Hermes and Mercury play […]
If you arrive late at a party, it’s virtually impossible to understand what whipped everyone up to having a good time. In arriving late, we have to stand aside and figure out what magic essence brought people together. What sparked the fuse for the resulting revelry and joyful abandon? Figuring out what got people excited […]
Once in a while, an issue bursts into the public conversation that encapsulates the challenge of the age. This issue points to deeper matters that are unresolved in our culture because there is a wound that is not healing in our collective unconscious. All it takes is a willing individual to make a public assertion […]
“You open the gates of the soul to let the dark flood of chaos flow into your order and meaning. If you marry the ordered to the chaos you produce the divine child, the supreme meaning beyond meaning and meaninglessness.” C.G. Jung, The Red Book. Carl Jung believed that the divine child archetype is a […]
“In the kingdom of ends everything has either a price or a dignity. What has a price can be replaced by something else as its equivalent; what on the other hand is raised above all price and therefore admits of no equivalent has a dignity” Immanuel Kant. In the charged and fractious social and political […]
“There is not enough love and kindness in the world to permit us to give any of it away to imaginary beings.” Friedrich Nietzsche, Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits. At some point in the online conversations that I’ve been listening to recently about gender and identity, one of the speakers will […]
In the divided landscape of gender identity, debates and discussions have become increasingly contentious, often mired in polarising views and societal misconceptions. As we navigate this labyrinth of identity and expression, we might find an unexpected guide in the form of Carl Gustav Jung’s psychological theories. Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical […]
Merit is a value system that recognises and rewards individual qualities such as talent, intelligence, skills, and effort. It is a principle that underpins a fair and equitable society by rewarding individuals based on their demonstrated abilities, qualifications, and contributions, rather than on factors such as wealth, social class, or family connections. In a merit-based […]
There is a great disruption in the fabric of socialmeaning. Established frames of reference and certainties are being disrupted, and previously affirmed assumptions are being displaced. We are used to science fiction stories racing against the clock to fix tears and ruptures that threaten the whole of reality. I never thought that I’d be one […]
Diane Abbott, a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, was suspended from the party after suggesting that Jewish people do not face racism, but instead, she argued, suffer prejudice similar to “redheads”. Her remarks were widely condemned, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews calling her letter “disgraceful” and […]
The media landscape is changing rapidly. We are living in a post-institutional and decentralised media world, where traditional media outlets are no longer the only sources of information. This shift has been driven by the rise of digital media, which has enabled individuals to create and share content on a global scale. As a result, […]
Traffic congestion is a major problem in many cities around the world, leading to increased air pollution and a range of public health issues. Reducing traffic congestion can have a significant positive impact on air quality and public health. Nowhere is this more necessary than in Leicester, where congestion and pollution levels are in urgent […]