Theodore M. Porter and the Critique of Quantification:

Theodore M. Porter and the Critique of Quantification:

Implications Theodore Porter's Thinking in Psychotherapy and Mental Health Who is Theodore Porter? In his seminal work "Trust in Numbers: The Pursuit of Objectivity in Science and Public Life," historian of science Theodore Porter offers a compelling analysis of the rise and cultural authority of quantitative methods in modern society. Porter challenges the prevailing assumption that the power and prestige of numbers derive solely from their success in the natural sciences. Instead, he argues that to fully...

Gods of the Ancient World: Literal Beings, Metaphorical Constructs, or Something In Between?

Gods of the Ancient World: Literal Beings, Metaphorical Constructs, or Something In Between?

How Literally Did Ancient People Take Their Mythology? The nature of gods and deities in ancient civilizations has long been a subject of fascination and debate. Did the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Norse, and followers of Vedic religions literally believe their gods to be anthropomorphic beings directly intervening in the mortal realm? Or were these mythological figures viewed more symbolically, as personified representations of natural forces, human virtues and vices, and the ineffable mysteries of the cosmos? As...

What is Emotion?

What is Emotion?

Emotion: A Conjunction of Inner and Outer Spheres James Hillman's book Emotion: A Comprehensive Phenomenology of Theories and Models presents a philosophical and psychological exploration of emotions, investigating them not as mere physiological responses but as integral aspects of human experience and soul life (Hillman, 1960). Hillman critiques the way traditional psychology and psychiatry have often treated emotions in mechanistic, reductive ways, urging instead a deeper understanding of emotions as vital...

Cults, Propaganda and Lies: Exploring Inner and Outter Manipulation

Cults, Propaganda and Lies: Exploring Inner and Outter Manipulation

Why do People Join Cults and Believe Propaganda? The Internet and the Illusion of Truth When the internet first emerged, many believed it would solve our political problems by providing universal access to truth. I remember these days myself and there was a techno-libertarian-utopianism that pervaded the early internet.  The idea was that, with the ability to bypass traditional gatekeepers like the government and the news media, people would be able to find and spread accurate information, leading to a more...

Walter Ong: Orality, Literacy, and the Jesuit Worldview

Walter Ong: Orality, Literacy, and the Jesuit Worldview

I. Who was Walter Ong Walter J. Ong (1912-2003) was an American Jesuit priest, professor of English literature, and cultural and religious historian. Ong made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of literacy studies, media ecology, and the evolution of human consciousness. His work explored the profound differences between oral and literate cultures and how the shift from orality to literacy has shaped human thought, expression, and social organization throughout history. As a Jesuit scholar, Ong's ideas...

Is Metamodern Meme Cultural Making us Speak Literally and Symbolically at the Same Time

Is Metamodern Meme Cultural Making us Speak Literally and Symbolically at the Same Time

The Metamodern Linguistic Turn What is Metamodernism? Metamodernism is an emerging cultural paradigm and sensibility that transcends the dichotomies of modernism and postmodernism. It seeks a synthesis of the universal aspirations and grand narratives of modernism with the relativism, irony and deconstruction of postmodernism. As we progress further into the 21st century, it becomes increasingly clear that the cultural frameworks of the past are no longer adequate for making sense of our rapidly shifting world....

Subjective Experience in Trauma: A Comparative Analysis of Freud, Adler, and Jung

Subjective Experience in Trauma: A Comparative Analysis of Freud, Adler, and Jung

How did Freud Jung and Adler Concieve of Trauma? The conceptualization of psychological trauma has undergone significant evolution since the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and Carl Jung in the early 20th century. These founding fathers of psychotherapy each developed distinct theories regarding the origins and manifestations of trauma, with their perspectives shaped by their understanding of emotion, the unconscious mind, and the role of subjective experience in shaping psychological well-being....

The Frame of Mind: How Aspect Ratio Shapes Our Cinematic Experience

The Frame of Mind: How Aspect Ratio Shapes Our Cinematic Experience

The Psychology of Aspect Ratio How does aspect ratio tell story and influence emotion? In the realm of cinema, the frame is not just a technical necessity but a powerful psychological tool. The proportions of that frame, known as the aspect ratio, profoundly influence how we as viewers engage with, interpret, and emotionally react to the story unfolding before us. From the nearly square frames of early silent films to the widescreen marvels that dominate multiplexes today, the evolution of aspect ratio parallels...

How to Use Mythology as a Therapist

How to Use Mythology as a Therapist

Insights from Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Hindu Mythology for Psychotherapy, Creativity and Trauma Why do Depth Psychologists Use Mythology in Therapy? Mythology has long been recognized as a powerful tool for understanding the human psyche and the complexities of consciousness. Through vivid narratives and symbolic imagery, myths from around the world offer profound insights into the intricate workings of the mind, the nature of the self, and the universal experiences that shape our lives. Many therapists and...

How Alabama’s New Laws Could Affect Therapists

How Alabama’s New Laws Could Affect Therapists

What Do Alabama's Abortion Laws Mean for Therapists and Mandated Reporters? Recent changes to Alabama’s abortion laws have significantly altered the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights, particularly in redefining personhood to include embryos and fetuses at all stages of development. This could have far reaching implications for how anyone providing or recieving mental health care. What is Mandated Reporting? Mandated reporting laws require certain professionals, including therapists, to report...