Issue: Homo Sapiens

From Pythagoras to Particle Physics: Understanding and Questioning Western Intellectual History

Explore the intricate evolution of Western intellectual history in this 14-module seminar series turned article, ‘From Pythagoras to Particle Physics: A Journey through Western Thought.’ Discover how ancient Greek philosophy laid the bedrock for modern scientific inquiry, ethical frameworks, and democratic governance. Dive into pivotal moments in history, from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, and examine the challenges and opportunities posed by the Anthropocene epoch. This comprehensive overview offers thought-provoking insights into how the West’s intellectual trajectory has shaped our world, and critically assesses the future of democracy in light of emerging philosophical perspectives and real-world governance innovations.

Read More

Beyond the Brain

An introduction to the “embodied mind” perspective that is changing the way we think about what it means to be human. This article tells the story of how I stumbled across it, what it tells us, and how it came to be developed.

Read More

The Dominance of Left-Brain Thinking: A Hindrance to Project Success and Sustainable Solutions?

The elusive success of projects and humanity’s struggle with global issues point to the role of human nature and cognition in these challenges. Insights from neuroscience and psychology, including theories from Damasio, Barrett, Kahneman, Seth, and McGilchrist, provide new perspectives on decision-making and team dynamics. A significant observation is McGilchrist’s idea of the Western world’s left-hemisphere dominance possibly leading to an overemphasis on control in project management. Integrating these insights could enhance project outcomes and our collective response to global issues, necessitating a shift championed by project leaders, educators, and researchers.

Read More

Fostering Sustainable Change: The Role of Human Nature in Successful Projects

Despite advances in project management, the majority of projects fail to deliver on their promises. This article argues that these failures reflect broader issues in our understanding of human nature and behavior. By viewing projects as deeply human endeavors and integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and other fields, we can foster a more holistic approach to project management. Prioritizing human factors, promoting adaptability, and engaging diverse stakeholders are among the strategies suggested for improving project outcomes and enhancing our collective ability to address complex global challenges. The need for a shift towards a more holistic, human-centered approach to projects is not only a matter of project success but also of societal sustainability and resilience.

Read More

1.07: Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

Science has proved to be a highly successful way of finding out how things work, and scientific theory is central to the practice of science. When Charles Darwin first published the theory of ‘natural selection’ in 1859, there were many gaps in the evidence to support it. In more than 160 years since then evidence from genetics, medical science and ecology have all substantiated the theory, so that an eminent biologist could claim that “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

Read More
Verified by MonsterInsights