Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
In absence of questions
Considering that the Puritans were protestants of the old world, it’s not entirely surprising that strange happenings in Salem would be explained by the village doctor to be those of Witchcraft. Although medical knowledge at the time was somewhat limited, the fact that, from a doctor, one who should find themselves more identifiable with science…
-
V: Synthesis
The following discussion this week captured the wonders of the Mayan ball game for the Mayan culture, the division among two great geographical sides through the religious beliefs among civilizations, and the unfair stories matched up against society. The Mayan ball game was a sacrificial event between two teams who fought for their life, a…
-
Reflection on Nacirema and The Danger of a Single Story
The case of Nacirema brings forth an intriguing perspective on the lens through which individuals view other cultures and traditions. Modern cultures, such as America, view themselves as the idealistic representation of a contemporary standard culture. This becomes an issue because they view others that are not as modernized as inferior. Take for example, through…
-
Synthesis
The Salem Witch Trials and the reading of Engai take place in two different places in the world, however, they share one similar aspect the belief in God. In the Salem Witch Trials the local village doctor, William Griggs, was religious and didn’t have much medical knowledge, since it didn’t really exist during this time,…
-
A Scientific Explanation for the Act of God
For this week’s discussion. our group reflected on the infamous Salem Witch Trials. This specific study caught my eye since I am a fan of the supernatural and the themes of feminism that this specific part of history has to offer. The given essay, however, perplexed me, specifically because it focuses on the ‘scientific’ explanation…
-
How Mythic Narratives Explain and Affect Lifestyles
Symbolism of death/disease in tradition Our group’s discussion for Week V consisted of many different cultures and traditions which made for fascinating insights on how other traditions utilized symbolism, along with similarities between each of them. We went back to analyze one of the myths explored in Week II, the “Rye and Salem Witch Trials”.…
-
Symbol of death? Symbol of life!
From our discussion of the week, our group explored the symbolism of death and disease represented in myths from African myths. It was a good opportunity for our group to deeply understand the symbol of death in African myth and compare it with the symbol of death from myths from other countries, such as Greece…
-
Symbolism in myth and body practices
Symbolism in both myth and body practices plays an essential role in communicating a message. During our weekly discussion, our group studied myths on death and disease and the impact of the symbolism involved. From these myths we discussed three main components in which symbolism is used to drive home the message. These components or…
-
An insight on Death & Disease thru Mythology
From this week’s discussion, my group and I discussed two different topics. The first was the various myths from different traditions that correlate with death and disease. And secondly, the examination of the statement “Body practices as an extension of mythic narratives” for a belief system in Africa. Therefore, some of the discussion included perspective…
-
Memento Mori
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” ― Marcus Aurelius Death is the one true constant in humanity, the one thing that no one can avoid. Man is blessed (or cursed) with mortality and will meet the grim reaper eventually. Memento Mori is of…
Got any book recommendations?