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Steve Michel’s Journal of Lateral Modernism Vol. VI• No.1•Dec.-Jan. 2006
Wisdom over
philosophy.:
Objectivism: the new shamanism? At the risk of elaborating obvious high school science, the scientific method is not absolute, it is a tool to elucidate the unknown used for a whim or particular purpose. Science as a dictionary definition is absolute in its quest of an ultimate truth. But given an infinite universe, that is improbable since with only a finite number scientist in a limited time frame and the vaguaries of scientific careers and technological limitations narrows the field of knowledge considerably. For example, for centuries it was thought diseases were of supernatural origins or the influence of evil spirits. It was only with the advent of microscopes that the scientific method opened new avenues as corrolations were made of cause and effect. That is the reality Objectivism addresses a reality that can be observed, measured and quantified. But as said elsewhere scientific theories are often surplanted by newer theories. For centuries scientists could say with certainty a piece of rotting meat sprouts with maggots. They could say so with objective ‘facts’ and observation. And with the same certainty as the shaman priests who explained all manner of phenomena with myths.
Objectivism now postulates that complex systems are subject to the mood of operators. I put it bluntly that Objectivism is shamanism masquerading in the garb of science. Both Objectivism and shamanism have missed the boat completly. Suscribing to either one of these systems of beliefs might get you through a hard day some of the time but ultimately as the chinese say the truth comes out of the barrel of a shotgun. The problem with philosophies is that many are elaborate house of cards of carefully structured reasonings that fail the acid test of any scientific scrutiny. Saying complex systems are subject to the mood of operators is like saying rotting meat spontanuously sprouts maggots. Objectivism is a nice try at achieving something from nothing like so much wishful thinking.
In fairness, objectivism has a its good points by emphasizing the validity of science over blind faith. But from what I read of Objectivism's preoccupation with the consciousness, it seems not only contradictory but one of interpretation. Indeed the power of the mind resides within the body: even if microscopes reveal the cause of diseases, its ultimate cause might well involve the consciousness. The body’s immune system is inextricably linked to the mind and the emotions. This brings us full circle back to the shaman. But outside the body, the power of the mind exist in as much as we physically interact with the physical world. When push comes to shove if I had a medical ailment that needed treatment, I would pick modern medicine over a rattle. I prefer wisdom to philosophy. (Sm05)
Market Obssessions:
This friend of mine is hopelessly obssessed with free market theory. In his opinion all 'socialist' ideas have had their day. By socialist ideas he implies anything of redeeming value, ethic or vaguely resembling social justice. For example, he is convinced that all services one could ask for should provided by the 'free market' Unfortunately that includes such things as education, healthcare, water and anything or service anyone can sell. He is under the bizarre delusion that this experiment has never been tried before. I invite him to take a trip in the past were education and healthcare had to be bougtht and social justice non-existant and any hope for the poor in lifting themselves out of their destitution lay in a belief in an afterlife Any medieval time period should fit the description...
News Dept.:
ABCP's Annual report:
« ..The eightth Annual Report and Newsletter for the African Blackwood Conservation Project. It covers the period from July 2004 – fall 2005. »is available now
The bi-annual afrofuturist publication, has published magazine#6. Available in print or pdf at lulu.com.
Art Dept.:
60th Anniversary of the Centre D'Art in Port-Au-Prince.:
"Over 100 Haitian Art enthusiasts including Haitian Ambassador The Honorable Raymond Joseph, Haitian Art Society National Chapter President Larry Kent , Cynthia Thomas of the Foreign Service Officer of the United States of America, to name a few, were gathered at the Haitian Ambassy in Washington D.C. on November 19, 2005 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Centre D'Art in Port-Au-Prince.
Also attending were Georges Remponeau co-founder of the Centre D'Art, and his daughters Elsie and Rachel. Mr Remponeau received a special commendation for his efforts in establishing the historic center. The event was sponsored by the President of the Haitian Art Society Washington Metropolitan Chapter Mr Fritz Racine and his wife." by Elsie Remponeau.
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Silverback: An exhibition by Sasha Huber. Gallery Alkovi, Helsinki 16.11.-11.12.2005
Huber's exhibition, "Silverback" at Gallery Alkovi[,] portrays the Silverback Gorilla, the largest of the living primates, [and] one of the rare species both discovered and almost extinct within the same century...
Over 80'000 staples were shot by the artist into burned wood for two portraits which are based on photographs [of the gorillas] taken by Huber...This is the latest issue of DALANI: Culture, engineering, music, art, environment, design, and modernism.
Back issues: 12/03, 01/04, 02/04, 03/04, 04/04,05/04,06/04 07/04,08/04,09/04, , 12/04,01/05,02/05,03/05,04/05,05/05,
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