Joshua Cohen, author of 'Attention! a (short) history', and Brian Dillon, writer and critic, discuss the cultural history of attention from Saint Augustine to amphetamines. They explore attention through various lenses including theological, technological, and literary perspectives, highlighting its impact on philosophy, writing, and modernist fiction.
The podcast explores the historical evolution of attention from William James to modern-day neuroscience and technology.
It discusses the commodification of attention through psychometrics, military technologies, and market forces.
The episode correlates attention with literature, examining its portrayal in works by George Eliot and William James, and its influence on narrative techniques.
Deep dives
The Historical Significance of Attention
The podcast episode delves into the historical importance of attention, highlighting the early foundations laid by William James in understanding consciousness. It explores how attention has evolved over time, encompassing elements of distraction and focus, and delves into the linguistic and philosophical nuances associated with the concept of attention. The discussion extends to the impact of attention on literature, psychology, and technological advancements, offering insights into its varied manifestations.
Psychometrics and the Evolution of Attention
The podcast episode touches upon the advent of psychometrics and its role in quantifying attention, tracing back to the 19th century. It discusses the transition from qualitative to quantitative understanding of attention, emphasizing the influence of military technologies and industrialization on attention spans. The episode draws connections between psychometrics, neuroscience, and the contemporary marketization of attention, shedding light on the commodification and medicalization of attention.
Literary Perspectives on Attention
The podcast episode explores how renowned authors like George Eliot and William James have portrayed attention in their works, emphasizing the intricate relationship between consciousness and literature. It delves into the evolution of narrative techniques such as stream of consciousness writing, highlighting the philosophical and sociological dimensions of attention in fiction. The discussion also correlates attention with the literary essay form, reflecting on the intersection of fiction and non-fiction in representing the complexities of human attention.
Technological Influence on Attention
The podcast episode scrutinizes the impact of technological advancements, such as the internet, on attention spans and cognitive processes. It delves into the parallels between novel writing and online connectivity, drawing comparisons between literary systems novels and the dynamic nature of internet interactions. The episode navigates the tension between mimicking digital connections and subverting algorithmic patterns, aiming to disrupt conventional thought processes and stimulate divergent thinking.
Mindfulness, Neuroscience, and Attention
The podcast episode briefly touches upon the intersections between positive psychology, mindfulness practices, and Eastern philosophy in cultivating attentional awareness. It reflects on the cultural and philosophical influences on modern mindfulness practices and their integration into Western contexts. The episode also hints at the evolving discourse surrounding attention in the realms of neuroscience, highlighting the complexities of attentional processes in a digitized and data-driven society.
Author Joshua Cohen came to the shop celebrate the publication of Attention! a (short) history' (Notting Hill). He was joined by writer and critic Brian Dillon for a dicussion of the cultural history of the concept of attention: an evening of conversation which ranged across centuries and subjects, from Saint Augustine to amphetamines.
