Re-Discovery of Being

In this article, I will explore the interconnected existential concepts of being, human freedom, and relationships from the philosophical works of Rollo May, Simone de Beauvoir, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. I will elucidate how our engagement development structures, particularly through the lens of Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy, can enable the re-discovery of being through a “child-apprenticeship” relations approach. Additionally, I will discuss our collective responsibility in co-creating consciousness. Understanding Being: Ontology, Epistemology, and Phenomenology To understand the re-discovery of being, it is essential to distinguish between the ontological and epistemological aspects of being. Ontology concerns the nature of being itself, the existence and reality of entities. It is the study of what it means to be. Epistemology, on the other hand, deals with the nature and scope of knowledge, focusing on how we know what we know. Phenomenology, a philosophical approach developed by Edmund Husserl and expanded by Merleau-Ponty, is crucial in this context. It emphasizes...

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Whispers in the Digital Forest  

In the digital forest, whispers echo, A nymph’s lament, lost in shadowed glade, Where screens cast light, yet hearts remain aglow, In search of solace from the masquerade.   Narcissus by the pool, entranced, alone, His eyes fixed upon a surface lie, The reflection of a soul turned to stone, In the quest for love that passes by.   Echo’s voice, a fragment, yearns to meld With words unspoken, in the ether caught, Her essence in the canyon, unquelled, A chorus of the truths she sought.   In the silence left by social's retreat, A space for deeper roots begins to swell, Where pixels fade and heartbeats meet, A story of reclamation, to tell.   Beneath the veneer of likes and shares, Lies the craving for a touch, a glance, The warmth of sun, the cool of evening airs, The infinite dance of chance.   From Narcissus’ grip, the soul takes flight, Away from the reflection, into the night, To where Echo’s voice rings true and bright, In the realm of connection, beyond the light.   A journey from the...

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Power Dynamics in human interaction

Over the Footbridge The vignette from Nietzsche's The Gay Science, titled "Over the Footbridge," serves as a vivid metaphorical exploration of power dynamics in human interactions. This short yet profound narrative encapsulates Nietzsche's nuanced understanding of power, not as a fixed asset held by one party over another but as a fluid and dynamic force constantly in motion within the context of relationships. In this vignette, Nietzsche illustrates the subtle shifts in power through a simple yet evocative scene: two individuals, emotionally close, stand on opposite sides of a footbridge. The act of one person extending their hand and inviting the other to cross symbolizes an offer of connection, a gesture that in itself carries a form of power—the power to initiate change or action. The other's rejection, despite their initial intention to cross, reveals a critical aspect of Nietzsche's philosophy: power dynamics are not merely about the exertion of will or...

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The Foundations of Medical Care in Hospitality: An Existential Perspective

Introduction The history of medical care is deeply rooted in the ancient notion of hospitality. From early civilizations to modern times, the principles of providing shelter, comfort, and aid have shaped the development of healthcare. This tradition of care, grounded in the ethical and moral duty to assist those in need, finds resonance in the existential philosophies of thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Rollo May. These philosophers highlight the intrinsic human capacity for "sorge" or care, which forms the basis for our interconnectedness and responsibilities towards others. Understanding the evolution of medical care through the lens of hospitality and existential thought offers profound insights into the role of caregivers today. Additionally, modern medical ethics emphasizes respect for the dignity and autonomy of patients, which further enriches this discussion. This essay will explore Heidegger's concept of "sorge," Rollo May’s integration of care in psychology, the tradition of hospitality in medical care, and...

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