Essay Name: The ends of knowledge
By: Rachael Scarborough King, Seth Rudy (Edited by Sam Haselby)
Right now, many forms of knowledge production seem to be facing their end. The crisis of the humanities has reached a tipping point of financial and popular disinvestment, while technological advances such as new artificial intelligence programmes may outstrip human ingenuity.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/should-academic-disciplines-have-both-a-purpose-and-a-finish-date
The article examines the existential question of whether academic disciplines should have a defined purpose and a potential end date. It delves into the crisis of the humanities and the challenges faced by knowledge production in the face of technological advances and political skepticism. The authors argue for a reevaluation of the goals and potential endpoints of scholarly work, drawing inspiration from the Enlightenment and the philosophies of Francis Bacon. They suggest that acknowledging the possibility of an end to a discipline can help clarify its purpose and defend it against mischaracterization. The piece also touches on the historical shifts in academic structures and the rise of interdisciplinarity, while questioning the current organization of knowledge around traditional disciplines. It proposes a thought experiment of reorganizing knowledge production not by content but by the ends that disciplines aim to achieve, thereby fostering a more ethical, informed, just, and reflective world.
Essay Name: Cosmic vision
By: Claire Isabel Webb (Edited by Sam Haselby)
Enlightenment philosophers were vexed that their expanding empirical science of the external, material world collided with long-standing religious and moral traditions premised solely on internal, a priori knowledge.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/jwsts-cosmic-revelations-will-change-our-interior-lives-too
The article explores the profound impact of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on our understanding of the cosmos and ourselves. It reflects on the historical journey from Galileo's telescopic discoveries to the JWST's advanced capabilities, which may reveal the origins of galaxies, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the very nature of the universe. The piece suggests that as our cosmic sensibility deepens with new astronomical data, so too does our philosophical and moral understanding of our place in the universe. It posits that the JWST's findings will not only extend our knowledge of the cosmos but also influence our internal, reflective views on existence, potentially reshaping our moral universe.
Essay Name: A gospel of enjoyment
By: Charly Coleman (Edited by Sam Haselby)
Apparently, the Carthusian monks who distil the herbal liqueur Chartreuse have been struggling to maintain a work-life balance.
Read the full essay here: https://aeon.co/essays/chartreuse-economic-theology-and-the-french-spirit-of-capitalism
The article discusses the unique blend of economic practices and spiritual beliefs that characterize French capitalism, as exemplified by the Carthusian monks who produce Chartreuse. Despite robust demand, the monks have chosen to limit supply, prioritizing their spiritual mission over profit. This decision reflects a broader French ethos that values quality of life and enjoyment over economic rationality. The piece delves into the historical and theological roots of this approach, tracing it back to 18th-century economic theology, which integrates spiritual and material wealth. It also connects these ideas to contemporary French politics, particularly the debates over pension reform and the work-life balance. The article suggests that the French spirit of capitalism, influenced by Catholic ethics, privileges enjoyment and social solidarity, challenging traditional economic models that focus solely on production and profit.
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