Socrates believed that wisdom was parallel to one’s ignorance. One’s deeds were a result of this level of intelligence and ignorance. Socrates constantly connected the ‘love of wisdom’ with the ‘art of love’. It is debatable whether he believed that humans could become wise, but he drew a clear line between wisdom and ignorance. Socrates […]
A Short History of Human Emotions
In this fascinating TED talk, historian Tiffany Watt Smith explains how the words we use to describe our emotions affect how we feel, and how they change (sometimes dramatically) in response to new cultural expectations and ideas – eg. Nostalgia, was first defined in 1688 as an illness and considered quite deadly.
The science of dreams and nightmares
Drew Dawson, Director, Appleton Institute, CQUniversity Australia and Madeline Sprajcer, Lecturer in Psychology, CQUniversity Australia – 8 September 2023 Last night you probably slept for seven to eight hours. About one or two of these was likely in deep sleep, especially if you’re young or physically active. That’s because sleep changes with age and exercise […]
400 years ago, philosopher Blaise Pascal grappled with ‘faith in an age of science and reason’
“Our soul is cast into a body, where it finds number, time, dimension. Thereupon it reasons, and calls this nature, necessity, and can believe nothing else.” David Hoinski, Teaching Associate Professor of Philosophy, West Virginia University – 3 July 2023 In an apostolic letter released on June 19, 2023, Pope Francis praised the “brilliant and […]
Is TIME an illusion?
Without a sense of time, from cradle to grave, our lives would make little sense. But on the most fundamental level, physicists aren’t sure whether the sort of time we experience exists at all. Miriam Frankel, science editor at The Conversation, supported by FQxI, the Foundational Questions Institute, talks to three researchers about the nature of […]
Chinese private security firms are growing their presence in Africa: why it matters
Chinese companies are establishing security business partnerships in Africa, eg. in Mali, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa and Tanzania. Alessandro Arduino, Principal Research Fellow, National University of Singapore 8 August 2022 Chinese private security companies have found a profitable niche market in Africa: guarding Chinese executives and construction sites. They’re also securing Chinese vessels at […]
The right to die: unpacking an ethical dilemma in South Africa
When life is no longer good, and death is no longer bad, and when death is therefore preferred to continuing life, the role of medicine could change from healing and preserving life to helping someone die in a way that is compassionate, kind, gentle and respectful. Chris Jones, Chief researcher, Department of Systematic Theology and […]
The Best Ways to Learn Afrikaans in South Africa
Maria Taylor – 17 June 2022 If you are planning to travel to South Africa and want to learn Afrikaans, there are several methods you can try. Immerse yourself in conversations with locals. This is a good way to learn the language naturally. But what is the best way to learn Afrikaans language? I’ve rounded […]
The stripping of British citizenship: the UK government’s new bill explained
Clause 9 in the new bill exempts the government from giving notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of national security, diplomatic relations or is otherwise in the public interest. Devyani Prabhat, Professor in Law, University of Bristol – 14 December 2021 A restrictive new immigration law being […]
First dictionary of South Africa’s Kaaps language launched – why it matters
29 August 2021 It’s been in existence since the 1500s but the Kaaps language, synonymous with Cape Town in South Africa, has never had a dictionary until now. The Trilingual Dictionary of Kaaps has been launched by a collective of academic and community stakeholders – the Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research at the University […]