I've put up another post on similar lines, but I don't think social
consciousness necessarily reveals itself within this inward-lookingness
without some form of social and historical awareness being there from the
start of the introspection and coming from some form of activity or
interaction with the world. Otherwise we're going back here to the
identification of self-consciousness (produced from thought alone) with some
form of 'world spirit' which represents historical and social development.
>but surely this only comes from the work of empathizing locally,
>which can only come about through reflective soul-sourching.
I disagree fundamentally here, both with the idea of the 'local' and the
idea that empathy only comes through soul-searching. The idea that social
awareness begins with the local is again a product of the feelings of
fragmentation and powerlessness of the period we're living through. My own
political consciousness was formed, not just by the local, but - and here I
date myself a bit - the Vietnam War, May 68 in France and also some things
nearer to home (the UK). Perhaps I'm taking the term 'local' a bit literally
rather than in its sociological sense. But I think they're connected by the
fact that: none of these were things I could influence directly, except by
showing support for one side or the other on my local street (i.e. being
influenced by the idea of solidarity) and my own awareness of what was going
on locally was defined by what was going on globally and by a certain
'Zeitgeist'.
As for soul-searching being the source of awareness, I'll just quote Goethe:
'In the beginning was the Deed.'
>Granted, it can become excessive navel gazing without the social relation
>or connection made explicit, but I do agree with Kathie that it is the
>essential first step.
And where does the social relation or connection come from to begin with??
>
>and I do believe it is 'dissed' these days
>as part of a conspiracy to
> stop us
>from
>thinking.
I think there's more of a conspiracy to stop us from acting than from
thinking. (Not that I'm advocating doing either without the other.) 'Pure
thought' only becomes dangerous
when it takes on a material form...
Bruce Robinson
>
>...this de-valuing inner-work, I mean...not that were mocking Phil, I meant
>that more on a larger
>scale, it is a huge issue. ESPECIALLY for women.
>diane
>
>
> "Every tool is a weapon if you hold it right." Ani Difranco
>*********************************************
>diane celia hodges
> faculty of education, centre for the study of curriculum and
>instruction,
> university of british columbia
> vancouver, bc canada
>
>snailmail: 3519 Hull Street
> Vancouver, BC, Canada V5N 4R8
>
>
>
>
>
>