Our Battle for the Human Spirit: Scientific Knowing, Technical Doing, and Daily Living

by Willem H. Vanderburg

Overview

Western society has become saturated with scientific and technological modes of thinking that impact our lives and our relationships. Expanding social inequality, the use of social media and the rise of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are manifestations of this shift in our civilization.

Our Battle for the Human Spirit is a comprehensive probe into what is happening to human life in the beginning of the 21^st century. It explores how culture, experience, and symbolization have been replaced by scientific, discipline-based, approaches. Willem H. Vanderburg argues that these approaches are inadequate in understanding the complexity of human lives and societies. In order to transcend these limits, Vanderburg calls for the reintegration of culture and symbolization into our daily lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487511111
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	08/04/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	440
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Willem H. Vanderburg has taught preventive engineering, sociology, and environmental studies at the Centre for Technology and Social Development at the University of Toronto.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Introducing Our New Spiritual Masters

1. The Cult of the Fact: What Discipline-Based Science Will Never Know

2. The Cult of Efficiency: What Technical Means Cannot Accomplish

3. The Cult of Growth: The Anti-Economy

4. The Cult of Disembodied Communal Life: The Anti-Society

5. The Cult of Disembodied Personal Life: Epidemics of Anxiety and Depression

Epilogue

Notes

What People are Saying About This

Richard Stivers

"Our Battle for the Human Spirit is an immensely important work. It is unique in demonstrating that how we treat the environment mirrors how we treat each other."

Editorial Reviews

"Our Battle for the Human Spirit is an immensely important work. It is unique in demonstrating that how we treat the environment mirrors how we treat each other."

—Richard Stivers, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University

From the Publisher