Another scandal (if that is the appropriate word) has occurred in the philosophy community with a high-profile male academic being reported for sexual misconduct. And my heart sinks when I see these articles – I can barely read them because it feels so sordid to hear the details of people’s lives when this type of … Continue reading Further reflections on the sexual dynamics of teacher/student relationships
Month: March 2017
Two types of truth and the schism between them
March 12, 2017. It occurred to me why I want to explore the interface between science and religion – why I want to explore our thirst to understand the world coupled with our desire for the transcendental. It is this interface that results in the conflict we have between our knowledge about reality, and how … Continue reading Two types of truth and the schism between them
Panic Attacks
February 2, 2017. Yesterday I had a panic attack. I haven’t had many of these in my life – at least, not as bad as this one. Jeff was with me and he looked after me. He has seen this happen before so he kept his head and this helped me to stay in control – but it … Continue reading Panic Attacks
Diversity in philosophy: Why the girls won’t speak
January 7, 2017. As a mature age student studying philosophy, I’ve watched school leavers struggle to adapt to tertiary education, and the silence of some students bewilders me. When I’m in a tutorial blurting out my thoughts I wonder – does this encourage these kids to speak up or intimidate them? I don’t think I … Continue reading Diversity in philosophy: Why the girls won’t speak
Understanding consciousness and why it’s so interesting: A brief overview
December 2, 2016. During my travels ‘consciousness’ is a term that has taken on a variety of meanings depending upon the subculture I’m in. Now that I have read a little about it in the context of analytical philosophy, I’m often startled when I hear a Buddhist friend or a Jungian friend use the term … Continue reading Understanding consciousness and why it’s so interesting: A brief overview
The disenfranchised and the demagogue: Reflections on the US presidential election
December 2, 2016. Brentyn sent me a Dharma book recently. He’s been living in Ohio for the past few years and during the election campaign, he was in a fever. I told him not to worry, that Trump would never get in. But he was worried and he was right to be. He included a … Continue reading The disenfranchised and the demagogue: Reflections on the US presidential election
Too young to die: Why our children need the Safe Schools program
November 27, 2016 I’m so cut up. Every time I see a photo of that 13-year-old boy. His young and innocent face. All I can think is ‘you didn’t make it. It’s not fair'. And I remember being a teenager, and I remember being suicidal. But I survived. And I am just so heartbroken that Tyrone didn’t. … Continue reading Too young to die: Why our children need the Safe Schools program
Sexual relationships based on power imbalances: Is it ethical for a teacher to sleep with a student?
November 20, 2016 Dharmamati visited recently and told us a story about a woman who had a relationship with her Tibetan teacher. This teacher has a reputation of being unethical, having numerous relationships with female disciples. This is a common theme that takes the form of an (often older) person in authority having sexual relationships with individuals under their influence. It … Continue reading Sexual relationships based on power imbalances: Is it ethical for a teacher to sleep with a student?
Society’s untapped potential: Lack of progress with anti-psychotics is everyone’s loss
This is the excerpt for your very first post.
Shauna Winram blog 