#academic discourse

[theblindmachine]

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41RMfYkO5O1VzcBZh5r9Di "# The Dynamic Dance of Language: Uniting and Dividing Us All Language is more than mere words strung together; it is a powerful force that shapes our very identity, influences our thoughts, and holds the ability to bridge divides or build walls. In a recent engaging conversation on the nuances of language, Matthew Sweet sat down with an intriguing panel that included journalists, experts, and creative minds—all experts in their respective fields—who illuminated the complexities of language as both a unifier and a divider. At the forefront of this discussion was Ross Perlin, whose award-winning book *Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues* has ignited an essential dialogue on the value of linguistic diversity. Perlin's work highlights how languages are not just tools for communication but vital threads in the fabric of cultural heritage. Languages, some of which are teetering on the brink of extinction, tell the stories of civilizations, beliefs, and traditions that are irreplaceable. His insights are particularly poignant, reminding us that when a language dies, a cultural worldview fades into obscurity. Joining Perlin in this riveting exploration was Reetika Revathy Subramanian, a distinguished researcher and podcaster whose work delves into global development and the environmental crises intertwined with our linguistic practices. Selected as one of the New Generation Thinkers at BBC Radio 4, Subramanian's contributions push the boundaries of our understanding about how language can facilitate or hinder communication about urgent issues such as climate change. Her podcast, *Climate Brides*, is a testament to her belief that we can use language to foster connection and promote sustainability. Then there's journalist Oliver Kamm, whose sharp wit and incisive commentary on language as a tool of power adds another layer to this complex discussion. Kamm sheds light on how language can be weaponized, manipulating emotions and opinions, often leading to societal division. The way we choose to speak—and listen—can either cultivate empathy or entrench conflict. His perspective urges us to remain vigilant about the words we use and their broader implications in our world today. Adding to the year's rich dialogue on language is the voice of comedian and radio presenter Ellis James. His comedic lens offers a refreshing take, reminding us that even humor is intricately tied to how we express our thoughts and emotions. Language, when wielded with skill and creativity, can bring joy and foster community, transcending barriers in ways that teach us to embrace our differences rather than fear them. Last but not least, Diana Sutton, the director of The Bell Foundation, advocates for language as a powerful educational tool that can unlock opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her presence in this conversation emphasizes that language is not just a personal or cultural asset; it is a social vehicle that can empower and elevate. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected yet divided world, the conversations around language become all the more crucial. From the intimacy of our mother tongues to the vast landscapes of spoken and written expression, language is a living entity that deserves our attention and respect. In a remarkable moment of insight, this panel reminded us: the ability to understand and connect through language is not simply a gift; it is a responsibility. As we look to the future, let us aim to harness language not only as a means of communication but as a bridge toward unity, understanding, and shared progress. In doing so, we may truly create a world where our words—and the meanings behind them—empower, enlighten, and encourage a richer tapestry of human experience."

[chaotic---academia]

Ballet and foot fetishes'?

Okay Divas,

Thoughts on the demonization of the foot fetish and how it connects to broader societal belief systems? also a bonus category on dancers feet (ballet) and how the talk around them challenges societal preconceived notions of said foot fetish.

[frank-olivier]

The Observational Spectrum: From Empiricism to Embodiment in UAP Studies

The study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) stands at a critical juncture, confronting the complexities of merging diverse methodologies to comprehend a phenomenon that resists straightforward categorization. Recent scholarly discussions, notably Maya Owen's lecture and supplementary examinations of eyewitness testimony, scientific observation, and embodied experiences in UAP research, underscore the imperative of an interdisciplinary approach. This necessitates a nuanced exploration of the disciplinary divide, the pivotal role of embodied experiences, and the transformative potential of bridging methodologies to enhance our understanding of UAP.

The dichotomy between "nuts and bolts" (emphasizing physical evidence and material issues, grounded in hard sciences) and "embodied" (encompassing experiential, spiritual, and religious aspects, aligning with social sciences and humanities) approaches in UAP studies poses a significant challenge. While empirical validation is crucial, overlooking the profound personal and existential implications of UAP encounters can result in an incomplete understanding. Conversely, an "embodied" focus, without scientific rigor, risks lacking credibility. This dichotomy is not insurmountable; rather, it presents an opportunity for scholarly innovation.

Embodied experiences are indispensable in UAP research, offering first-hand accounts that can inform scientific investigation and highlighting the complex, often transformative, nature of UAP encounters. The integration of these experiences challenges traditional methodologies, necessitating an adaptation that accommodates subjective, yet potentially revelatory, aspects of human experience. Concepts like "Uncanny Science" and "Flip" provide a theoretical framework for reconciling the scientific with the experiential, suggesting that the intersection of science and spirituality can be a fertile ground for understanding UAP. This reconciliation is not about diminishing scientific rigor but about enhancing it with the depth and complexity of human experience.

A holistic approach to UAP studies, one that synergistically combines the empirical with the experiential, is the most promising path forward. This can be facilitated through the adoption of frameworks like Cyborg Anthropology, which recognizes the interplay between human experiencers, technology, and the sensory extensions afforded by instruments. Moreover, the development of standardized methodologies for collecting and analyzing experiential data can significantly enhance the credibility and utility of embodied accounts in scientific research. Encouraging cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration is equally crucial, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of UAP that addresses both its material and experiential dimensions.

The study of UAP is poised to redefine the boundaries of scientific inquiry and our understanding of human experience. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach that values empirical evidence, embodied experiences, and the transformative potential of their integration, UAP research can transcend current disciplinary limitations. This integration promises not only a deeper grasp of UAP phenomena but also contributes to a broader shift in understanding the interconnectedness of human experience, technology, and the unknown, thereby enriching the scholarly landscape.

Maya Cowan: Observatories and Experiencers (The Society For UAP Studies, Annual Summer Conference 2024, Varieties and Trajectories of Contemporary UAP Studies, August 2024)

Sunday, February 9, 2025

[theonethatyoudreamof]

Speaking my truth:

APA is the most egregious, ugly, useless, and incompetent citation style and it should rot in a very deep dark dirt filled hole

[townpostin]

ARKA JAIN University Hosts Series of Prestigious Conferences

ARKA JAIN University becomes a hub for intellectual discourse with upcoming conferences across various departments, focusing on groundbreaking ideas and discussions. ARKA JAIN University is set to host a series of conferences, bringing together scholars, researchers, and industry experts for stimulating discussions on diverse topics. JAMSHEDPUR – ARKA JAIN University is abuzz with intellectual…

[victusinveritas]

[dicksoutforapollo]

In a class about drugs and intoxication in the ancient world, and yes sure, I can believe that ancient Greeks and Romans did more than just wine, they gotta have done some hallucinogenics, that’s how humans work, we love to fuck up our brains! But using artistic depictions on ceramic vessels and frescos and comparing them to LSD art is such weak evidence!! Sorry that y’all aren’t creative and so when someone is creative the answer must be “DRUGS!”

Can’t believe that weak “how HIGH are you XD” responses are in the academic world too, albeit more wordy. there was even a reading from an author that claimed that adults COMPLETLEY lack lateral thinking and need alcohol in order to be creative at all. Sounds like a skill issue?

[spriggswritings]

Just read Moretti’s article on Frankenstein and Dracula (http://knarf.english.upenn.edu/Articles/moretti.html for anyone who wants to read it) and. I mean its an interesting take but I think he truly reaches too far to make all monsters be capitalism. Like sure monsters are capitalism but first of all Frankenstein’s creature isn’t, as he says, a black-and-white evil, but rather a creature scarred by its own creation, and he also bases part of his argument on “Shelley not intending for her work to ne horror” which is fully wrong as can be seen in her diaries from when she was writing it.

It brings up interesting points but dooms itself to mediocrity by its all-encompassing ambition; if you have an interesting reading for parts of a story, don’t call it the end-all authorial intent.

Anyway academic smack talk over. Still, it brings up some interesting stuff about capitalism being the horrifying other embodied in the text, so if that’s what you’re into its good.

[stressedbeetle]

the more academic discourse I read the more I realize the line separating academic and tumblr discourse is mostly just the amount of fancy words used

[phoenix-joy]

Content Warning: The Smithsonian Magazine article contains minor details regarding the deceased individual's skin that may distress certain readers. I have tried to avoid anything I deemed unnecessary in the extracts I have chosen to replicate.

Note: I'll definitely need to revisit this when I have more time to investigate the details. I can't find an English translation of the book in question. I'm curious, though, as Harvard Library describes it as 'a meditation on the soul and life after death'. 

anthropodermic bibliopegy - the practice of creating book bindings from human skin.

Note: The article briefly explains some background information on this practice. I have not copied any of that for this blog post, so if you are curious then be sure to click the link for the full write-up.

Author: Sarah Kuta Publication: Smithsonian Magazine Timestamp: April 16, 2024

Extract:

Des Destinées de L’Âme, or Destinies of the Soul [was] written by French author Arsène Houssaye in 1879. [A Harvard alum] John B. Stetson Jr. lent it to the university in 1934, and [...] his widow officially donated it in 1954.

[The book's] original owner was Ludovic Bouland, a French physician who received the book directly from the author. Bouland bound the book with human skin taken, without consent, from the body of a woman who died at a French psychiatric hospital where he worked, according to [Harvard University].

[...]

Harvard—and many other institutions, including the Smithsonian—have been reviewing their collections amid a growing outcry about their possession and treatment of human remains.

[...]

“The core problem with the volume’s creation was a doctor who didn’t see a whole person in front of him and carried out an odious act of removing a piece of skin from a deceased patient, almost certainly without consent, and used it in a book binding that has been handled by many for more than a century,” says [Tom] Hyry [Associate University Librarian for Archives and Special Collections].

/end of extract

Extract from Harvard Library's statement (bold in the second paragraph is from the original text):

The removal of the human skin from Des destinées de l’âme follows a review by Houghton Library of the book’s stewardship, prompted by the recommendations of the Report of the Harvard University Steering Committee on Human Remains in University Museum Collections issued in fall 2022.

[...]

[...]  In 2014, following the scientific analysis that confirmed the book to be bound in human skin, the library published posts on the Houghton blog that utilized a sensationalistic, morbid, and humorous tone that fueled similar international media coverage.

Harvard Library acknowledges past failures in its stewardship of the book that further objectified and compromised the dignity of the human being whose remains were used for its binding. We apologize to those adversely affected by these actions. 

/end of extract

Extracts from Harvard Library's 'Ask a Librarian' entry regarding Des destinées de l’âme:

 A handwritten note by Bouland inserted into the volume states that “a book about the human soul deserved to have a human covering.”

[...]

A memo accompanying the book written by John Stetson, which has since been lost, [the] skin [belonged to] an unknown deceased woman patient from a French psychiatric hospital.

[...]

The human remains will be given a respectful disposition that seeks to restore dignity to the woman whose skin was used. The Library is now in the process of conducting additional biographical and provenance research into the anonymous female patient, the book, and Bouland, as well as consulting with proper authorities in France and at the University to help determine how best to carry this out. We expect this process to take months, and perhaps longer, to come to completion.

/end of extract

Harvard Library

Ludovic Bouland - Carlos Garcia Pozo, El Mundo

Arsène Houssaye - Getty Images

John B. Stetson Jr. - Wikidpedia

[bellemorte79]

Revisiting this as I work on an idea. Currently reading "methodology" for my critique.

Siebers, T. (2008). Disability Theory. University of Michigan Press. https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.309723

Disabled people are not often allowed to have agency, sexual or otherwise. Rather, they are pictured as abject beings, close to nothing, empty husks (Siebers, 2008).

The Abject in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones.

The abject status of Tyrion Lannister in his relationship with his father and sister (Cersei and Tywin).

His physical appearance is frequently used by his family to belittle and humiliate him. Tywin, in particular, is disdainful of Tyrion’s physical disability and sees him as a stain on the Lannister family’s reputation and his own personal curse.  He blames him for the death of his mother in childbirth, even though Tyrion is the only one that is completely blameless.  He did not ask to be brought into the world.  In one scene in A Clash of Kings, Tywin tells Tyrion, “You are an ill-made, spiteful little creature full of envy, lust, and low cunning.” This shows how Tyrion’s abject status is linked to his physical deformity, as well as his position within the Lannister family.

Cersei also uses Tyrion’s abject status to undermine him, portraying him as weak and powerless. In A Storm of Swords, Cersei says of Tyrion, “He is a dwarf, a stunted twisted little monkey who’s no fit consort for a queen.” Cersei’s use of animalistic language here further emphasizes Tyrion’s abject status, as she portrays him as subhuman and less than fully human by representing him as a monkey.  This is similar to her father’s treatment of Tyrion in calling him a “creature.”  

Despite his family’s efforts to marginalize and exclude him, Tyrion is a character who refuses to be defined by his abject status. He is highly intelligent and resourceful, and often uses his wit and cunning to outmaneuver his enemies. In A Clash of Kings, and on the show Game of Thrones in the Battle of the Blackwater, for example, he manages to repel an attack on King’s Landing by using a hidden cache of wildfire to destroy a large portion of Stannis Baratheon’s fleet.

By representing Tyrion as abject, Martin is able to highlight the often cruel and arbitrary nature of social hierarchies. Tyrion’s exclusion from society is not based on anything he has done, but rather on factors outside of his control, such as his physical appearance and his family background. This serves as a critique of the unjust nature of social systems and the way in which they marginalize and exclude certain groups of people.

By portraying Tyrion as both abject and heroic, Martin is able to challenge the dominant narratives of heroism and villainy in fantasy literature. Instead of being a typical hero who embodies strength and perfection, Tyrion is a flawed and vulnerable character who is forced to navigate a hostile world in order to survive. Through his character, Martin is able to explore the complexities of power, politics, and identity, and to challenge readers’ assumptions about what it means to be a hero or a villain.

Further Reading:

Young, J. R. (2021). Useful little men: George R. R. Martin’s dwarfs as grotesque realists. Mythlore, 39(137), 77-95,77A

Felluga, D. (2011) “Modules on Kristeva: On the Abject.” Introductory Guide to Critical Theory.  Purdue U.

[valyrfia]

i think sharing a published academic paper on wag pages on the subject of a very niche part of engineering that lily z just happens to be co-author on is incredibly invasive behaviour actually

[poetryintheraw]

This. If I could fill my entire dashboard with just academic discourse, I would. Academic drama is the only thing that makes academics worth it some days

the semester hasnt even officially started yet and im already going insane over department drama. apparently the new department head has been using department funds to order himself designer satchel bags (while also trying to cut a very popular astronomy lab class due to "costs"), and told one of the secretaries that because she is the person primarily organizing the department picnic that SHE'S NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO ANYONE AT THE PICNIC?? BECAUSE SHE'S TECHNICALLY WORKING??? like absolutely going feral can you imagine how this man treats service workers. anyways my friends and i are gonna go hang out with that secretary for the entire picnic bc we already liked her and enjoyed interacting with her and if new department head has a problem with it im gonna roast his silly little $300 designer leather satchel bags that he bought on department dime

[hangonsnoopy19]

I need to read an academic article on the money=power discourse and the Black experience in IWTV and Sinners if someone could please write one or ten of those thank you

[anguilliforme]

one thing that really shits me about the whole james somerton thing is he has a degree*. he went through higher education. there is literally no way he doesn't know what plagiarism is. you can't attend a university or college without being told repeatedly how to properly cite sources and the consequences for not doing so.

there is simply no way he hasn't had the "don't you fucking dare" talk every lecturer gives their first year students. there is no way he didn't know at a bare minimum the severity of what he did. you can't convince me otherwise.

*or at the very least spent some time in higher ed

[liketwoswansinbalance]

College advice??

Never skip any readings and never use AI.

Think about it in this way if the temptation ever arises: most likely, you (not necessarily you, Anon—the general, collective "you" applies throughout) will be paying for your tuition and you don't want a machine to rob you blind of the chance to do the intellectual labor yourself. After all, would you give your education to someone else? No, right? So, an unthinking machine that produces hackneyed clichés of all things has absolutely no right to it either.

If that is not convincing enough, think of this instead:

Past generations never relied on AI or the "easy" way out (which results in less learning), so do you want to be worse off than them? Do you want to be "inferior" and less accomplished? No!

(If you "must" cheat, at least try to learn your lesson or something from the experience. Better yet, do not cheat at all! If you have, you've shortchanged yourself and have dented your integrity/self-image.)

Or, to put it even more extremely: do you want to represent the (probable) decline in academic performance as time goes on? Become a statistic? No. Right?

No one should want to be viewed as part of "those kids" whose literacy and writing skills have dropped, to the point that professors complain they have to teach/reinforce the basics before they even get to the target-level material you've paid for or earned your way to. Wouldn't you feel guilty if your professors complained about that, a problem which never before existed in their time? If you're not a part of the problem, you can at the very least separate yourself and feel like you're in a better position than those classmates who do use AI or who pad their papers with meaningless fluff.

Thus, the pressure isn't on, per se, but you don't want to become representative of the stupid side of humanity—and I imagine no one would want to if they could prevent it and have to sense to think for themselves.

Please, do yourself a favor by just trying, revising, and asking questions. It's not that hard.

And now, argument the third:

Would you trust a professional who only graduated because they relied on AI and are, in reality, incompetent? There's no telling what could go wrong and God forbid they were a medical student who should have failed who's operating on you.

Feel free to ask any questions.