Ep. 2 - Jordan Peterson and Roger Scruton: On the Transcendent
Sep 21, 2019
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Renowned intellectuals Jordan Peterson and Roger Scruton discuss the importance of imagination, rejecting idolatrous ideologies, and the significance of truth, beauty, and goodness. They explore the concept of the transcendent, power dynamics and sexuality, the role of literature in promoting understanding and reconciliation, reflections on memory and gratitude, the unfolding of the self in literature and music, and the importance of gratitude and recognizing efforts.
Fiction enables us to learn empathy and make wiser choices by immersing ourselves in the experiences of characters.
Tragedy in literature reveals the resilience and nobility of characters, teaching us the pursuit of redemption in the face of loss.
Cultural appropriation can foster dialogue and understanding between different cultures, bridging divisions and building connections.
Deep dives
The Importance of Fiction as a Bridge to Understanding
Through literature and art, individuals can immerse themselves in the perspectives of characters and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition. Fiction allows us to experience the lives of others, highlighting the commonality of our struggles and aspirations. By placing ourselves in the shoes of compiled characters, we can learn empathy, discern noble virtues, and make wiser choices in our own lives.
The Power of Literature to Transcend Tragedy
Tragedy in literature reminds us that even in the face of suffering and destruction, there remains elements of nobility and reconciliation. Stories of tragic characters show how individuals can strive towards redemption and meaning, even when confronted with the inevitability of loss. By witnessing the resilience and nobility of fictional characters in tragedy, readers can internalize and integrate these qualities into their own lives.
Cultural Appropriation and the Importance of Bridging Divisions
Cultural appropriation, properly understood, allows individuals to immerse themselves in different beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. By successfully embodying the lives of others through literature, art, or even acting, individuals can foster dialogue and understanding between different cultures and promote empathy. The fear against cultural appropriation may stem from a misunderstanding that genuinely stepping into another's shoes and experiencing their perspective can be a bridge towards transcending divisions and building connections.
The Persistence of the Transcendent
Despite darkness, suffering, and evil, there remains a persistent light that cannot be extinguished. Literature and art, often by juxtaposing the bleakest situations with acts of nobility and grace, reveal the existence of something higher than ourselves. Through tragedy, we glimpse the possibility of transcendence and the presence of a transcendental force that magnifies the profundity of our human experiences.
The power of music and dancing in experiencing transcendence
Music and dancing are accessible forms of culture that can foster a sense of transcendence and harmony in individuals. Music, as a representative form of art, allows for the interaction and harmonious integration of patterns, evoking a deep sense of harmony within oneself. Dancing, especially when done in community settings like Scottish Reels, can also create a transcendent experience by highlighting the need for law, order, and the pleasure of connecting with others. Despite societal cynicism and self-destructive tendencies, the power of music continues to unite people and provide an intimation of transcendence that cannot be denied.
The importance of gratitude and the role of education in preserving cultural inheritance
Gratitude and memory play crucial roles in preserving our cultural inheritance. Expressing gratitude is an essential response to the sacrifices and suffering that previous generations endured to create the cultural heritage we enjoy today. However, today's society often lacks gratitude due to a lack of historical perspective and awareness. To counter this, there is a need to teach gratitude and an understanding of history to young people, helping them recognize the interconnectedness of the past, present, and future. Education should prioritize teaching the humanities as objects of love and providing a pedagogy of the transcendent. By instilling gratitude and a sense of cultural inheritance, we can foster a new generation that builds a better future based on the wisdom and beauty of the past.
A conversation between Dr Jordan Peterson and Sir Roger Scruton, moderated by Dr Stephen Blackwood, introduced by Professor Douglas Hedley, presented by The Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism and Ralston College, held on November 2nd, 2018 in Cambridge, England.
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