The History of Experience: A Study in Experiential Turns and Cultural Dynamics from the Paleolithic to the Present Day

The History of Experience explores the changing structure of human experience and its impact on cultures, civilizations, and political ideas, arguing that it undergoes nine transformations, including conscious perception, imagination, order, self-reflection, reason, spiritual experience, creativity, and consciousness. It is a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars interested in the relationship between history, human experience, culture, and political order.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Spanning a vast expanse from the Paleolithic era to the present day, this comprehensive work delves into the ever-evolving nature of human experience and its profound impact on the dynamics of cultures, civilizations, and political ideologies. At its core, the central thesis posits a paradigm shift: the structure of human experience is not a fixed and universal constant but rather undergoes continuous transformation throughout history.

When examined across the vast expanse of human history, nine significant transformations can be identified, commencing with the emergence of conscious perception and imagination during the Paleolithic era and culminating, for the time being, in the modern era with the discovery of the unconscious. In between these pivotal moments, this book explores six additional transformations that occurred in diverse regions and at various times, encompassing a sense of order, self-reflection, the power of reason, spiritual experiences, and the realms of creativity and consciousness.

As a result, The History of Experience emerges as a groundbreaking work that offers both a cross-cultural and comparative theory of experience and cultural dynamics. It also serves as an insightful exploration of rich materials from East and West, enriching our understanding of the complex interplay between history, human experience, culture, and political order. This book holds immense value for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars alike who are passionate about exploring the intricate connections between these diverse realms.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032291314