Okay, so I am sat at my desk staring out of my window at the grey clouds on the horizon. Before I know it, time has passed. What have I achieved? Have I been lazy? Well, actually, no, I haven’t. In fact, I have been thinking, and having time to think is something we often feel guilty for. Our lives are busy, and we feel that we should fill every moment with action. But if you stop to think for a while, the benefits can be huge.
Now, you might be thinking (get it): this is weird. Why do I need time to think? Well, for nearly 100 years, World Thinking Day has been recognised on 22nd February each year. In fact, all across the world, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts organisations show their appreciation for others by thinking about global situations and how others can be helped. You might be wondering why it is specifically the 22nd of February? Well, it is the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the Scouting and Guiding founder. Coincidentally, his wife, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, shared the same birthday – so this day celebrates her life, too, and what she stood for.
World Thinking Day used to be just Thinking Day – right up until 1999 when at the 30th World Conference, held in Ireland, the word ‘World’ was added to give the day the much-needed global focus. Nowadays, many Scouting and Guiding groups around the world raise money for worthwhile causes – and all the while this annual day is celebrated with a special theme. Past examples included thinking about water and food. But this year the theme is Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty. It does not mean that this is only a theme for the 22nd of February, of course. Instead, it draws attention to the day and encourages people to spend time thinking about how others can be helped.
Different ways of recognising this special day take place around the world. An example in New Zealand involves rangers climbing Mount Eden before it gets light – and the people who attend spend time thinking about how they are going to help others in less fortunate positions than themselves. Some groups are twinned and they spend time thinking about helping each other. Others focus on writing each other postcards or letters.
So, even though World Thinking Day has its roots in the Guiding and Scouting movement, there is no reason why all of us couldn’t spend a bit more time thinking – not just on 22 February but every day. Who knows where a thought might take you?
Education usually requires a great deal of thinking. If you would like to apply some to the study of an academic subject, Oxford Open Learning offer a variety of courses for study at various levels. You can see which ones are available by going to our home page here. Our Contact page can also be found here.
Perfectionism is not, in and of itself, a negative trait. Perfectionists are often conscientious high achievers; our greatest weakness is also our greatest strength. But those trying to be constantly perfect can find that every task feels like an unconquerable burden and every essay a path to failure, however unlikely our friends and family might find our doom-laden predictions. Here are three thoughts to use to beat the unrealistic idealism that may currently be beating you.
What is perfect, anyway? Maybe you could decide. Perhaps perfection could simply mean sitting down at your messy desk, ignoring the clothes on the floor, and spending 10 minutes planning the first half of your essay. In this deeply imperfect and challenging world, if you were to be reasonable with yourself, your definition of perfect should, and could, be different. Redefine perfection: make it doable and make it your own.
A to-do list is a depressing sight, if, at every item, we are telling ourselves that we ‘have to’ or ‘must’ do this or that. But turn ‘have to’ into ‘get to’ and suddenly life seems more joyful. Perhaps it is an irritating piece of advice, an unwelcome call to simply have more gratitude, but studying is essentially an overwhelmingly positive thing. You are learning and growing, and you have access to great materials and educated teachers; you are lucky. And so, even if it feels at first like you are lying to yourself, tell yourself, next time you inspect your to-do list: “I get to plan my essay today”.
We will do it, but we are waiting for the perfect time when we are in the mood. Because we know we can do it well, and not just well but REALLY well. And so that is the aim. This isn’t laziness, for the fear is real: we cannot bear to submit anything less than our best; we cannot tolerate failure; and we want to be proud of what we have achieved. We have visualised (or we think we have) the perfect essay or assignment. But the truth is that you have a deadline. Perhaps you could achieve perfection if you had eternity to complete it. But you don’t. Most tasks have a timeline, whether it is 6 years to complete a part-time PhD, or one night to finish an essay. And the test is not what you can achieve, but what you can achieve in the time you have to complete it. The definition of perfect might simply be this: finished.
Languages are not merely a means of communication; They harbour a repository of culture, identity, and collective memory. Sadly, many languages are on the brink of extinction, threatened by globalisation, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of major languages. The loss of these languages represents a loss of invaluable knowledge, unique worldviews, and profound connections to the past. In this article, we will explore some of the world’s most endangered languages and shed light on the efforts to preserve and revitalize them.
One example of an endangered language is Ainu, spoken by the indigenous Ainu people of Japan. With fewer than 10 fluent speakers remaining, Ainu is classified as critically endangered. Efforts are being made to revitalise the language through cultural programmes, schools and increased recognition of Ainu cultural heritage. The goal is to ensure that future generations can access and embrace their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Another endangered language is Manx, spoken on the Isle of Man. Manx was once the primary language of the island but faced a decline during the 20th century. Through dedicated efforts, including language classes, community initiatives, and the production of literature and media in Manx, there has been a resurgence of interest in the language. The revitalisation movement has led to increased speakers and a renewed sense of cultural pride.
In South America, the Guarani language faces significant threats. Guarani is spoken by indigenous communities in Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. However, despite its importance as a cultural and national language in Paraguay, it is becoming increasingly marginalised. As with Ainu and Manx, efforts are being made to preserve Guarani through education and community initiatives as well as the integration of the language into official institutions and media.
The Celtic languages, such as Cornish, Breton, and Scottish Gaelic, are also endangered. These languages were once widely spoken in their respective regions but experienced a decline due to political, cultural, and social pressures. However, revitalisation efforts have been successful in some areas. For instance, Scottish Gaelic has experienced a resurgence, with increased government support, bilingual education and community work.
The preservation of endangered languages is crucial because they carry unique knowledge systems, cultural expressions, and ways of perceiving the world. When a language disappears, a wealth of wisdom, folklore, and local knowledge is lost forever. Aforementioned attempts to preserve endangered languages range from documentation and archiving to a focus on teaching the language to younger generations and integrating it into everyday life.
Technology has also played a significant role in language preservation. Digital tools, online resources, and language learning apps provide opportunities for wider access to endangered languages and facilitate their learning and practice. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and is essential. Governments, educational institutions, and communities can support language revitalisation efforts by promoting bilingual education, providing resources for language learning, and encouraging the use of endangered languages in official settings.
The loss of endangered languages represents a significant loss of cultural heritage and human knowledge. Efforts to preserve and revitalise these languages are crucial for maintaining linguistic diversity and honoring the cultural identity of communities. By supporting language revitalisation initiatives and raising awareness about the value of endangered languages, we can unlock the doors to linguistic diversity and ensure that future generations inherit a world that is enriched by it.
Democracy, the cornerstone of modern governance, faces unprecedented challenges in what we are coming to call the post-truth era. As a spread of misinformation, disinformation, and polarisation intensifies, so the foundations of democratic systems are tested. However, amidst these challenges, there are also opportunities to reinforce democratic values, promote critical thinking, and strengthen the relationship between citizens and institutions.
The advent of social media and digital platforms has facilitated a rapid dissemination of false information, leading to a crisis of trust and undermining of the democratic process. Misinformation and disinformation campaigns manipulate public opinion, erode confidence in institutions, and sow division among citizens. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach involving media literacy programs, fact-checking initiatives, and responsible journalism to counter the spread of false narratives.
The post-truth era has fuelled polarisation, with individuals increasingly retreating into echo chambers that reinforce only their existing beliefs and biases. This fragmentation of society undermines the democratic ideal of open and constructive dialogue. To counteract this, it is essential to foster spaces for respectful discourse, promote empathy, and encourage citizens to engage with diverse perspectives. Platforms that encourage civil discussions and bridge ideological divides can play a vital role in revitalising democratic participation.
The erosion of trust currently eating into our democratic institutions poses a significant challenge. When citizens lose faith in their governments, they may disengage from the political process or resort to extreme ideologies. Building and maintaining trust requires transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing their concerns. Strengthening mechanisms for citizen participation, such as community dialogues and participatory decision-making processes, can foster greater trust and legitimacy in democratic systems.
Today, media integrity and responsibility are also more paramount than ever. Journalistic standards, fact-checking practices, and editorial accountability all play a critical role in countering the spread of misinformation. Media organisations need to prioritise accuracy, provide context, and emphasise responsible reporting. Collaborations between media outlets, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms can help to curb the influence of false information and ensure that accurate and reliable sources are readily accessible to citizens.
Educating citizens in critical thinking and digital literacy is essential to navigate the complexities of the post-truth era. Teaching people to discern reliable sources, evaluate information critically, and separate fact from fiction empowers them to make informed decisions and actively engage in democratic processes. Integrating media literacy and critical thinking into the educational curriculum will equip future generations with the tools necessary to navigate the information landscape responsibly.
The challenges posed by this post-truth era demand a concerted effort to safeguard democratic values. While the proliferation of misinformation, polarisation, and dwindling trust in institutions does present significant obstacles, there are also opportunities for positive change. By promoting media integrity, strengthening citizen participation, fostering critical thinking, and leveraging digital platforms responsibly, societies can navigate the complexities of our trying times and reinforce democratic principles. Ensuring the transparency, accountability, and resilience of democratic institutions is crucial to building trust, promoting inclusive dialogue, and upholding the fundamental tenets of democracy in an ever-evolving information landscape.
Aristotle was one of the most influential philosophers of the ancient world. He was born in 384 BC in Stagira, Macedonia, and died in 322 BC in Chalcis, Euboea (One of the Greek islands). He was a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle’s works cover a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and natural philosophy.
Aristotle’s most famous works are his treatise on ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, and his treatise on metaphysics, the aptly named Metaphysics. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle sets out to study the nature of human happiness. He argues that happiness is the highest good, and that it can be attained through virtuous action. In Metaphysics, Aristotle examines the nature of reality and being. He argues that there are different levels of reality, and that the highest level is the one that can be understood through pure thought.
The Nicomachean Ethics is composed of ten books. In book one, Aristotle discusses the concept of happiness and how it should be pursued. He argues that happiness should be pursued for its own sake, and not for any external rewards or honors. He also explains that the highest form of happiness is achieved through living virtuously. In book two, Aristotle explains the different types of virtues and how they contribute to living a happy life. He argues that there are two types of virtues: intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are those related to knowledge, such as wisdom and understanding. Moral virtues are those related to character, such as courage and temperance.
In book three, Aristotle explains the importance of friendship in achieving a happy life. He states that friendship is essential for leading a fulfilled life. He also explains that friendship can be divided into three categories: utility friendships, pleasure friendships, and good-will friendships. In book four, Aristotle explains the concept of justice and how it should be applied to society. He explains that justice involves giving each person their due, and that it should be applied fairly and equally. He also explains that justice should be used as a guide for social and political life. In book five, Aristotle explains the concept of pleasure and how it should be pursued. He explains that pleasure should be pursued in moderation and that it should be used to supplement, rather than replace, the pursuit of virtue.
Aristotle’s philosophy has also been used to support various political and religious beliefs. In addition, he is famous for his writings on logic. He wrote the Organon, a collection of works on logic and reasoning. In the Organon, Aristotle sets out the principles of deduction and induction, and provides an analysis of syllogisms (conclusions that are drawn from several premises). His works on logic were highly influential in the development of modern logic.
Still further, Aristotle’s works on Science and Biology are also noteworthy. In On the Parts of Animals, he provides a detailed analysis of the anatomy and physiology of living creatures. He also wrote extensively on astronomy, meteorology, and geology. His writing on these topics contains some of the earliest scientific treatises in the Western world.
Aristotle, then, was someone whose work influenced a wide range of subjects, and significantly so in each case. As such, he will continue to be remembered as one of history’s great philosophers.
You can find articles on 3 other influential philosophers by clicking on their names below.
Plato is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy and one of the founders of its philosophical thought. His works, including his famous Republic, have had a lasting impact on Western culture and been studied for centuries by scholars and students around the world.
Born in Athens in 428 B.C., Plato was the son of an affluent Athenian family. He was a student of Socrates, another famous Greek philosopher, and was heavily influenced by his teachings. After Socrates’ death, Plato travelled to Egypt and Italy, where he studied mathematics and philosophy. He eventually returned to Athens and opened his own school, the Academy, which was the first known institution of higher learning in the Western world.
At the Academy, Plato developed his own theories and ideas on a wide range of topics, including government, morality, and ethics. His most famous work, The Republic, is a dialogue between Socrates and several other characters, in which they discuss the ideal form of government and society. The Republic is divided into 10 books, each of which deals with a particular topic. The first book lays out the foundations for an ideal state, and those remaining explore various aspects of one. At the centre of the Republic is the notion of justice, which Plato defines as “doing one’s own work, and not meddling with what is not one’s own.” He also argues that justice is only possible in a well-ordered society, and that a just society requires that each person has an education and occupation that is appropriate to their nature.
In Republic Books II to IV, Plato argues that a well-ordered society should be divided into three classes: the producers, the auxiliaries and the guardians. The producers are those who are responsible for the production of goods and services, while the auxiliaries are responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the state. Finally, the guardians are responsible for the education and upbringing of the citizens. Plato also argues that justice should be based on the rule of law and that the rulers of the state should be chosen on the basis of merit.
In Books V to IX, Plato explores various aspects of the ideal state, including its laws, education system, religious beliefs, and the role of women. He also discusses the nature of knowledge, truth, and the soul. In Book X, he considers the implications of the ideal state for the individual and for the world. Gathered all together, The Republic forms an important work of philosophy and it continues to be highly influential.
Plato also wrote extensively on metaphysics and epistemology, or the study of knowledge. In his dialogues, he argued that true knowledge comes from reasoning, rather than from the senses. He also believed that there are higher forms of reality that can be accessed through contemplation and meditation. Throughout his life, he wrote many works, including Theaetetus, Symposium, and Phaedo. He wrote extensively on the nature of the soul, which he believed to be immortal, and the importance of pursuing knowledge and virtue.
Plato is known as the “Father of Western Philosophy” due to his profound and lasting impact on philosophical thought. He was an influential thinker who shaped Western philosophy and helped to establish the field as a legitimate academic discipline.
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher, widely considered one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. He is best known for his contributions to the field of ethics, although he also wrote on a variety of other topics, including politics, metaphysics, and epistemology (the theory of knowledge). He is credited with founding a method of inquiry used to explore philosophical questions and their answers – later to be known as The Socratic Method.
Socrates was born in Athens in the 5th century BCE. He was the son of Sophroniscus, a stonemason and sculptor, and Phaenarete, a midwife. Very little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was educated in the same manner as other Athenian citizens, which included reading, writing, and music. His life’s work was devoted to understanding the nature of life and the pursuit of wisdom. He was known for his dialogue method of teaching, in which he asked questions of his students in order to help them come to their own conclusions about a topic. He also emphasised the importance of examining one’s beliefs and opinions in order to determine if they were truly valid.
Socrates’ most famous work is probably his “Apology.” This work is an account of Socrates’s defence against charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the gods of the state.” It is also an exploration of the nature of justice and the ideal life.
The Apology is divided into three sections. In the first, Socrates defends himself against the charges. He argues that he has done nothing wrong and has only sought to help the young people of Athens by encouraging them to think for themselves. He also states that his pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is in accordance with the gods of the state. In the second part, he explains why he believes in his philosophy. He claims that he is guided by an inner “divine sign” and that he only speaks the truth. He also defends his philosophy of questioning and examining everything, stating that this is the only way to true knowledge. Finally, in the third part of the Apology, Socrates explains his view of the ideal life, arguing that one’s aim in life should be to become wise and virtuous. He also states that the only way to become wise is to constantly question and examine oneself and the world around them.
The Apology is a powerful, influential work that has shaped the Western philosophical tradition. It is a timeless work still debated and discussed today. Its ideas of questioning and examining everything, seeking knowledge, and striving for the ideal life still resonate.
Socrates was renowned for his staunch commitment to truth and justice. He believed that the only way to determine the truth was through rigorous examination of evidence and argumentation. He also strongly opposed any kind of tyranny or injustice, and was known for standing up against powerful figures in government. In 399 BCE, Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety – from which came The Apology – or lack of respect for the gods. Despite his apology, which may in fact have worsened his case, Socrates was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking a cup of hemlock. He accepted his fate, but is believed to have maintained his innocence until the very end.
Socrates’ influence continues to be felt today in the fields of philosophy, ethics, and politics. His works have been studied and debated for centuries, and his teachings are still used in classrooms and universities around the world. He is remembered as one of the most influential philosophers in human history and his legacy lives on in the form of the Socratic Method and his contributions to the field of ethics.
Jean-Paul Sartre is one of the most influential and widely read philosophers of the twentieth century. His work has had an enormous impact on the development of modern philosophy and has had a profound influence on contemporary thought. Sartre’s philosophy is a complex and comprehensive system of thought that explores the nature of existence, freedom, and responsibility.
His
Sartre’s philosophy is based on the concept of existentialism, which is a belief that individuals are responsible for their own actions and must accept the consequences of those actions. According to Sartre, individuals are completely free to choose their own paths in life and have the responsibility to make their own choices. He argued that this freedom is a fundamental part of our existence and should be embraced rather than denied. Sartre argued that individuals have an inherent responsibility to choose their own values and to act according to those values. He believed that this responsibility is at the root of our freedom and that it is ultimately what makes us human. He argued that we must accept our freedom and use it responsibly in order to create meaning in our lives, believing we should not rely on external factors, such as religion or tradition, to dictate our choices.
Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophical masterpiece, Being and Nothingness, is a seminal work of existentialism. Published in 1943, this book is considered his magnum opus and is one of the foundational texts of existentialism. In Being and Nothingness, he argues that human consciousness is characterised by an inherent state of nothingness, or what he calls “nihilation.” He argues that humans are not determined by external forces, but by our own choices and actions. We are thus, fundamentally, responsible for our own lives and existences. According to Sartre, this fundamental state of nothingness is a condition of human existence inextricably linked to our freedom. However, he also argues this is a source of anguish and despair. He claims anguish is caused by the awareness of our own mortality, and the impossibility of finding comfort in traditional forms of consolation. In this sense, Sartre argues that our awareness of nothingness is the root of our own angst, and of our existential suffering.
Sartre’s discussion of nothingness is not meant to be depressing or nihilistic, though. In fact, he says the awareness of our freedom and responsibility is what allows us to create meaning in our lives. He argues that this awareness makes us capable of making meaningful choices in life, and that it is the source of our creativity and our sense of purpose.
The philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre is a complex and comprehensive system of thought that has had a profound influence on contemporary thought. His ideas about freedom and responsibility are remain relevant and continue to shape modern philosophy.
The Powerlist 2022 lists the most influential Black Britons of the year. Actor Daniel Kaluuya is number four on that list. But what has made him such an important public figure?
Daniel Kaluuya was born in London on the 24th February 1989 to Ugandan parents. At the age of nine he wrote a play based on 90s TV personalities Kenan and Kel and was lucky enough to have this play performed at London’s Hampstead Theatre after entering and winning a playwriting competition. Kaluuya later attended the Anna Scher Theatre School, which has seen the likes of Naomi Harris, Dizzee Rascal and Reggie Yates pass through its doors. The school was known for encouraging and developing improvisation in acting, a skill which Kaluuya would come to use in some of his professional roles.
Kaluuya’s first screen appearance was in the controversial 2006 BBC film Shoot The Messenger and a year later he secured the role of Posh Kenneth in the E4 teen drama Skins. As well as being an actor, Kaluuya contributed to the writing of Skins, co-writing a number of episodes. His work on Skins led him to secure a number of bit parts and guest appearances on other British TV series’ including Psychoville (2009 – 2011) and the second episode of Black Mirror in 2011. He also appeared in a number of stage productions at London’s Royal Court Theatre which included a starring role in the play Sucker Punch in 2010.
After struggling to find more starring roles in UK film and television productions, Kaluuya turned his attention to the US but the lack of job offers continued. In a conversation with Interview magazine in 2017, he expressed that he almost gave up acting, having not worked for over a year, but it was at this point that he was cast in a starring role in Jordan Peele’s now iconic film Get Out. This role, for which he received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, propelled Kaluuya to the forefront of Hollywood and he has since appeared in a prominent role in movies such as Sicario, Judas and the Messiah, for which he won numerous awards, and the blockbuster Black Panther. In 2019, he launched his own production company, 59%, and he is currently working as a writer and producer on The Kitchen, a Netflix film due to be released in 2023.
You can read about Jacky Wright, another of the people on The Powerlist 2022 in one of Oxford Open Learning’s other blog posts this month, or by visiting Top 10 Most Powerful Black Persons In The UK of 2022.
We hear the word culture mentioned a lot in the media. But what does it mean? Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, norms, behaviours, and overall can be understood as our “way of being.”
The term Cultural diversity is recognised as multiculturalism. Encyclopedia Britannica defines this as “the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups, deserves special acknowledgement of their differences within a dominant political culture.”
• Knowing that there are a large number of cultures that exist globally
• Acknowledging that all cultural expressions are valid
• Being respectful towards each other’s differences and values
• Valuing what other cultures offer
• Providing empowerment to encourage diverse groups to contribute to society
• Celebrating cultural differences, rather than simply tolerating them
Britain has long been a mixed-race society; we were invaded by the Romans of Italy (55 BC), the Saxons of Germany and central Europe (410-1066AD), the Vikings of Scandanavia (AD 793 – 1066) and the Normans of France (1066). Africans were also brought into the country in the 17th and 18th centuries, albeit unfortunately largely as servants or slaves.
In the UK, the Scots have their own culture, likewise the Welsh and Northern Irish, and of course we English too. It all means that despite being a relatively small country, we possess a large array of different dialects, customs, music, and languages. We live in a country where many different cultures live together, with over 20% of Britain’s population now of minority ethnic background, and 25% of school age population of black or minority ethnic heritage.
However, does the UK truly embrace this cultural diversity? It seems so, as Global Future’s July 2019 survey of 2,000 UK adults suggests nearly seven in 10 of us agree that diversity has improved our culture, against 15% who disagree. According to the report, nearly 40% of our leading cultural figures are from migrant or minority ethnic backgrounds. Art, dance, fashion and music are cited as our most diverse cultural industries – while TV is a notable outlier. The Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond report has shown that diversity in British TV actually fell in 2020.
It is important to embrace multiculturalism. By learning about other cultures we can develop knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills. This helps to ultimately lead to a more cohesive, welcoming and tolerant society for everyone.
Image: The New Union Flag, representing cultural diversity in the UK, by artist Gil Mualem-Doron https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en