Biopolitics: Look in the Lost and Found for Peace of Mind
This is a report on biopolitics, current cognitions (quality of mind), and our fundamental human nature. Biopolitics means biology and politics considered together. It promises something unlimited. However, biopolitics alone can take us only so far. Today, we may have lost a certain discerning wisdo...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Springer Science Business Media B. V.
[2019]
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| In: |
Pastoral psychology
Year: 2019, Volume: 68, Issue: 2, Pages: 209-221 |
| RelBib Classification: | NBE Anthropology VA Philosophy ZD Psychology |
| Further subjects: | B
Fundamental human nature
B public intellectuals B Cognitive deviants B Biopolitics B Ancestors B Quality of mind B Numinous B Unworthy cultures B Ancient B Cognitive mapping B Reciprocal morality B Peace of mind B Minority report |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Verlag) |
| Summary: | This is a report on biopolitics, current cognitions (quality of mind), and our fundamental human nature. Biopolitics means biology and politics considered together. It promises something unlimited. However, biopolitics alone can take us only so far. Today, we may have lost a certain discerning wisdom about the natural environment and integrated fabric that melds all lives, a sacred unity. Biopolitics may be too narrow a frame for human living and ecological survival. Something is missing when there is talk about unworthy cultures and nations. Typically, in Western and capitalist societies a certain truncated and rational view of our fundamental human nature is promoted. Americans, for example, are told by leading authorities that we can do anything we put our minds to. But, toward which ends? The author argues that we need to rethink the idea that because something appears to have changed or is modern, recent, or new it is somehow better than what is considered old or ancient. If biopolitics promises an unlimited horizon for certain values and ends, strategies, and ways of knowing, then we need a wider conversation that includes Lucy (or the people of long ago) and our fundamental human nature. The ancient quest for remembrance and significance is in the new; the new has roots in what is prior. Time past, then, is partially contained in times present and future. A wider and deeper assessment that leads to a conscious and wise grasp of our current situation is required. The author contends that this is relevant to a pastoral theology that truly cares. Therefore, attempts to include aspects of the past and widen the lens may not be popular, but they may lead to a wise integration of ancient and emerging present concerns and to deeper questions. |
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| ISSN: | 1573-6679 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Pastoral psychology
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1007/s11089-018-0853-x |