Wonder, Silence, and Human Flourishing: Toward a Rehumanization of Health, Education, and Welfare

Wonder, Silence, and Human Flourishing explores the concept of rehumanization in health, education, and welfare through the lens of phenomenology and ethics of wonder, offering an existential, phenomenological, and hermeneutic approach to understanding humanization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Wonder, Silence, and Human Flourishing: Toward a Rehumanization of Health, Education, and Welfare takes a fresh and radical approach to humanization and the process of re-enchantment. For over a decade, the call for rehumanization in education, care, and welfare has been heard and discussed primarily in critical thinking, political theory, and sociological discourses. This critique is primarily based on a social constructivist and naturalistic worldview that keeps the discussion in an anthropocentric perspective. However, the contributors to this book offer a different perspective by focusing on the phenomenology and ethics of wonder as an ontological and even spiritual event and by listening to the silence that follows this contemplative wonder.

Edited by Finn Thorbjørn Hansen, Solveig Eide Botnen, and Carlo Leget, the book presents a collection of essays that explore the power of wonder and silence in nurturing our ability to be receptive to and present in human relations and in resonance with the meaning-giving life phenomena that surround us. The contributors argue that wonder and silence can help us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, to connect with our inner selves, and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of wonder as an ontological and even spiritual event. The contributors argue that wonder is a fundamental aspect of human experience that is essential for our growth and development. Wonder can be experienced in a variety of ways, including through nature, art, music, literature, and other forms of expression. When we experience wonder, we are able to transcend our everyday experiences and connect with something greater than ourselves. This experience can be transformative and can lead to a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in our lives.

The contributors also explore the silence that follows from wonder. They argue that silence is an essential component of wonder and that it can help us to reflect on our experiences and to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Silence can be a challenging experience, but it can also be a source of great joy and peace. The contributors provide examples of how silence can be used in therapy, education, and other settings to help individuals develop their emotional intelligence and to connect with their inner selves.

Another important theme of the book is the idea of rehumanization. The contributors argue that rehumanization is necessary in order to address the many challenges that we face in our modern world. Rehumanization involves the process of reconnecting with our inner selves and with the natural world and of developing a sense of empathy and compassion for others. The contributors provide examples of how rehumanization can be achieved through various practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga.

One of the challenges that the contributors address in the book is the idea of the anthropocentric perspective. They argue that the anthropocentric perspective is limiting and that it can lead to a disregard for the natural world and for other human beings. The contributors argue that we need to move beyond the anthropocentric perspective and to develop a more holistic and interconnected worldview.

To achieve this, the contributors provide a variety of strategies for rehumanization. One of these strategies is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness involves the practice of being present in the moment and of paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Mindfulness can help us to develop a sense of inner peace and to reduce stress and anxiety.

Another strategy is the practice of meditation. Meditation involves the practice of focusing on a particular object or thought and of allowing our minds to become quiet and still. Meditation can help us to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and to connect with our inner selves.

Yoga is also a strategy for rehumanization. Yoga involves the practice of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga can help us to develop a sense of physical and mental strength and to connect with our inner selves.

In addition to these strategies, the contributors also provide examples of how rehumanization can be achieved through social and political action. They argue that we need to work towards a more just and equitable society and that we need to address the root causes of social and environmental problems.

One of the challenges that the contributors address in the book is the idea of the environmental crisis. They argue that the environmental crisis is a result of human activity and that we need to take action to address it. The contributors provide examples of how we can reduce our carbon footprint and how we can promote sustainable development.

Another challenge that the contributors address in the book is the idea of social inequality. They argue that social inequality is a result of social and economic policies and that we need to work towards a more just and equitable society. The contributors provide examples of how we can address social inequality through social and political action.

In conclusion, Wonder, Silence, and Human Flourishing: Toward a Rehumanization of Health, Education, and Welfare is a book that offers a fresh and radical approach to humanization and the process of re-enchantment. The contributors argue that wonder and silence can help us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, to connect with our inner selves, and to find meaning and purpose in our lives. The book provides a variety of strategies for rehumanization, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, and it also provides examples of how rehumanization can be achieved through social and political action. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in humanization and the process of re-enchantment.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666911206