Schroedinger's mind: bridge between practice and activity theory?

Edouard Lagache (elagache who-is-at weber.ucsd.edu)
Wed, 16 Jul 97 10:28:22 -0700

We even have concrete examples of this phenomenon to consider: the =
MIAs, especially in Vietnam. Families left behind by minds stolen =
away from them, without any account for the associated biological =
body. Such experiences are a very real instance of what Heidegger =
calls a "breakdown." Wives, parents, children continue to love and =
grieve a human that has vanished from the face of the earth. =
Occasionally the breakdown is repaired somewhat, from names on the =
Vietnam memorial, to reported sightings, to actual physical remains. =
In the true spirit of breakdown, these people seek cultural =
mechanisms to bring closure to a phenomenon for which we do not have =
established rituals of death.

To return to the question: "minds of our own?" existentialism =
suggests a puzzling answer. Functioning minds are in the ground of =
our interaction. Like fish in water, minds are all around us - yet =
invisible to all. It is only when a mind breaksdown, do we see it as =
distinct from the rest of the social stew. It is perhaps a sad =
reminder of how much we humans take things for granted until it is =
too late to save them.

Peace, Edouard

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: endure his own folly :
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